Expression and localization of epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-α and epidermal growth factor receptor in the canine testis

Gene expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and EGF receptor (EGF-R) and the localization of the corresponding proteins in the canine testis were studied. Levels of mRNA expressions were determined by semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in the testes of the peripubertal (4-6 months), young adult (3-4 years), advanced adult (7-8 years) and senescent (11-16 years) groups. The EGF-R mRNA level in the testes of the peripubertal group was significantly higher than those in the other groups, whereas there was no difference in EGF and TGF-alpha mRNA levels among groups. Immunohistochemical stainings for EGF, TGF-alpha and EGF-R in the testis revealed that immunoreactivity in the seminiferous epithelium and Sertoli cell was weak and nonspecific for the stage of spermatogenesis, and distinct staining was found in Leydig cells. These results suggest that the EGF family of growth factors may be involved in testicular maturation and function in the dog.