Determination of GATA-4 in the testis of the mouse / 中华男科学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the characteristics and distribution of GATA-4 in the testis of male mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Paraffin sections were obtained from the testes of 24 male B6SJLF1/J mice, aged 0 day (n = 6), 2 weeks (n = 6), 4 weeks (n = 6) and 6 weeks (n = 6), and the expressions of GATA-4 in the testis were observed by the immunohistochemical ABC method and DAB visualization at different times.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Positive expressions of GATA4 were found in the Sertoli cells and Leydig cells of all the mice, but significantly higher in the 4- and 6-week-old than in the 0-day and 2-week-old groups (P < 0.01). And they were also observed in the germ cells of the 4- and 6-week-old mice, significantly higher in the latter than in the former (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GATA-4 exists in the testis of male mice, which has provided a morphological base for sex determination and differentiation and hormone regulation in the testis.</p>