Cellular Localization of the Mn²⁺-Dependent Adenylyl Cyclase in the Human Testis

Abstract

An examination of the activity of the Mn²⁺-dependent adenylyl cyclase (AC) in fine needle biopsies from human testes was made. Simultaneously the DNA distribution patterns in suspensions of testicular cells derived from the same patients have been determined. The DNA distribution patterns were estimated by microflow fluorimetry (MFF) after staining with fluorochrome (ethidium bromide). Thus, AC activity could be assessed and correlated with the relative number of haploid (1C = spermatids), diploid (2C = spermatogonia and testicular somatic cells), and tetraploid (4C = primary spermatocytes) cells. Testicular Mn²⁺-dependent AC activities varied between 0 and 8.4 pmol cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/mg protein/min and were highly correlated with the contents of haploid (1C) germ cells (spermatids) (r = 0.62, p < 0.01). There was no correlation between Mn²⁺-dependent AC activity and diploid or tetraploid cells. This indicates that the Mn²⁺-dependent AC activity in the human testis, like in the rat and mouse, may be exclusively localized to haploid germ cells. An inverse correlation between plasma FSH and Mn²⁺-dependent AC activities indicated reduced inhibin secretion in situations where the Sertoli cells did not maintain the testicular germ cell production.

Key Words:

• Human testis
• Spermatids
• Adenylyl cyclase