Immunolocalization of Desmin, Vimentin and S-100 proteins in testis and epididymis of African striped ground squirrel (Xerus erythropus)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to immunolocalize desmin, vimentin and S-100 proteins in the testes and epididymis of African striped ground squirrel (Xerus erythropus) and establish their spatial distribution in the two organs. Formalin fixed-paraffin-embedded sections of the testis and epididymis obtained from ten apparently healthy adult male African striped ground squirrels were processed routinely for immunohistochemistry, using primary antibodies specific to desmin, vimentin and S-100. S-100The results showed that desmin reacted intensely in the myoid cells of the seminiferous tubules and smooth muscle cells of the epididymal ducts. It showed a moderate positive immunoreaction in the interstitial cells of Leydig, and the epididymal inter-ductal loose connective tissue. However, there was no immunoreaction of desmin in the spermatogonia or any other spermatogenic cell of the seminiferous tubule. Vimentin reacted intensely in the Leydig cells and spermatogonia. It showed moderate positive reaction in the myoid cells and the epididymal inter-ductal loose connective tissue. There was no immunoreaction of vimentin in the other spermatogenic cells (other than the spermatogonia). The S-100 proteins expressed a mild positive immunoreaction at the interstitial cells of Leydig, but negative immunoreaction in all other parts of testis and epididymis. Also, there was intense immunoreaction of desmin and vimentin and moderate immunoreaction of S-100 in the vascular endothelium in the testis and epididymis. In conclusion, the spatial distribution of desmin, vimentin and S-100 proteins in the testes and epididymis in the African striped ground squirrel showed some similarities and contrast with other mammals, giving insight into the functions of the proteins in these organs of the rodent.