Expression and localization of Smadl, Smad2 and Smad4 proteins in rat testis during postnatal development

<正>Aim: To study the expression and regulation of Smadl, Smad2 and Smad4 proteins (intracellular signaling molecules of transforming growth factor-β family) in rat testis during postnatal development. Methods: The whole testes were collected from SD rats aged 3, 7, 14, 28 and 90 (adult) days. The cellular localization and developmental changes were examined by immunohistochemistry ABC method with the glucose oxidase-DAB-nickel enhancement technique. Quantitative analysis of the immunostaining was made by the image analysis system. The Smads proteins coexistence in the adult rat testis was tested by the double immune staining for CD14-Smad4 and Smad2-Smad4. The protein expression of Smad during rat testicular development was examined by means of Western blots. Results: Smadl, Smad2 and Smad4 were present throughout testicular development. The immunostaining of Smadl and Smad2 were present in spermatogenic cells. A positive immunoreactivity was located at the cytoplasm, but the nucleus was negative. Smadl wa