UCHL-1 protein expression specifically marks spermatogonia in wild bovid testis

Spermatogonia are germ cells that initiate spermatogenesis in mammalian testis and they are the only cells in adult body capable of dividing both mitotically and meiotically. Therefore, isolation and preservation of spermatogonia can provide an alternative method for preservation of genetic pool of endangered animals. To achieve this objective, it is essential to identify markers that can specifically distinguish spermatogonia from other cells in the testis. In the present study, anti-ubiquitin C-terminal hydroxylase-1 (UCHL-1/PGP 9.5) antibody specifically recognized spermatogonia in the testis of wild and domestic bovid. The size of the UCHL-1 protein in various species of bovid testes was identical, and similar to that in mice. Furthermore, UCHL-1 staining could be utilized for the identification of spermatogonia in isolated testicular cells from wild bovids suggesting that UCHL-1 protein expression could be used as a specific marker for spermatogonia in bovid family.