EPIDERMAL GROWTH-FACTOR RECEPTORS (EGFR) LOCALIZATION IN HUMAN TESTIS

An indirect immunofluorescence technique was used to detect and localize epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) in human testicular biopsies in different testicular diseases. Monolateral biopsies from twelve infertile subjects were studied from qualitative/quantitative points of view and were examined by immunofluorescence study with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody. Two different patterns of EGFR expression were observed: a very weak presence of EGFR was detectable on Sertoli cells, peritubular basal structures, and interstitial compartment in testicular biopsies showing a normal spermatogenic status; and an important increase in EGFR expression was observed on the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells and on peritubular basal structures in biopsies exhibiting various degrees of hypospermatogenesis and in a case of Sertoli cells only syndrome. Germ cells did not show EGFR immunolocalization. EGFR seems to be present on different testicular target cells. EGFR expression increases on peritubular and Sertoli cells in the presence of significant tubular damage.