Vimentin Expression in Spermatogenic and Sertoli Cells is Stage-related in Rat Seminiferous Epithelium

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies were used in indirect immunofluorescence microscopy to localize vimentin intermediate filaments in the rat seminiferous epithelium. During stages XII-V of the epithelial cycle, the Sertoli cells showed a reaction in the perinuclear area and vimentin-positive extensions, projecting toward the developing spermatid bundles, were also seen. During stages VI-XI these extensions were small and narrow. Monoclonal anti-body to vimentin gave a granular reaction in the peripheral region of the flagella of steps 16-19 spermatids. Western blotting indicated a specific reaction with a Mr 58.00 polypeptide in isolated seminiferous tubules and in epididymal spermatozoa. Our results suggest that vimentin filaments in Sertoli cells may be regulated cyclically in a stage-dependent manner. The granular reaction in the spermatoid flagellum with the monoclonal antibody suggests that vimentin in germ cells is organized differently from that in somatic Sertoli cells.