Objective: To explore the P75NTR expression in the mouse testis and its relationship with nestin.
Methods: We observed the location of the expressions of P75NTR and nestin in the testis of the nestin-GFP transgenic mouse on postnatal day (PND) 5, 14 and 30 using immunofluorescence, and detected the expression levels of P75NTR in the testicular tissue of mice in different age groups by real-time quantitative PCR (RTqPCR) and flow cytometry. Then we cultured the P75NTR positive cells in neural stem cell culture medium and observed their neuronal differentiation capacity by orientation differentiation.
Results: Immunofluorescence showed the expressions of P75NTR and nestin in the Leydig cells of the mouse testis. RTqPCR and flow cytometry exhibited the peak of the P75NTR expression on PND 14. The positive rates of P75NTR were (2.88 +/- 0.52), (9.54 +/- 1.81) and (2.63 +/- 0.43)% on PND 5, 14 and 30, respectively. The P75NTR positive cells obtained also expressed nestin and P75NTR and had the capacity of neuronal differentiation.
Conclusion: P75NTR and nestin are co-expressed in the Leydig cells of the mouse testis, and the P75NTR positive cells have the ability of neural differentiation, which is presumably attributed to neural crest cells.