Figure 5 | Scientific Reports

Figure 5

From: Germ cell depletion in recipient testis has adverse effects on spermatogenesis in orthotopically transplanted testis pieces via retinoic acid insufficiency

Figure 5

Repetitive RA treatment improves the spermatogenesis of testis pieces transplanted into the testis interstitium of germ cell-depleted mouse. At 153–154 days after testis piece transplantation, germ cell-depleted mice were sacrificed to collect transplanted tissues. In this experiment, mice in the busulfan + RA group were subjected to five RA treatments (750 μg/mouse/treatment) with an 8.5-day interval during the last 43 days. Collected tissues were analysed by immunofluorescence staining. (a) MCAM (cyan) and PNA (red) staining. Acrosomes were labelled with PNA. EGFP expression indicated that the tissues were derived from transplanted testis pieces. Nuclei were counterstained with Hoechst 33342 (grey). (b) GFRA1 staining (cyan). Nuclei were counterstained with Hoechst 33342 (grey). EGFP expression (green) indicated that the tissues were derived from donor testes. (c) Tubules with unusually arranged spermatogenic cells found in transplanted testis pieces of the busulfan + RA group. Note the excessive number of round spermatids and slight elongating spermatids, without a lumen in the tubule. Bar 100 μm (a–c).

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