Microscopy is a conventional method for experimental tests and the optical analysis of cell morphology and changes in molecular expression. As so, our M8 is used in some of these publications. Portela J., Heckmann L, Wistuba J. et al. also published a research paper with the title „Development and Disease-Dependent Dynamics of Spermatogonial Subpopulations in Human Testicular Tissues” where our M8 found a use.
Abstract:
„Cancer therapy and conditioning treatments of non-malignant diseases affect the spermatogonial function and may lead to male infertility. Data on the molecular properties of spermatogonia and the influence of disease and/or treatment on spermatogonial subpopulations remain limited. Here, we assessed if the density and percentage of spermatogonial subpopulation changes during development (n = 13) and due to disease and/or treatment (n = 18) in tissues stored in fertility preservation programs, using markers for spermatogonia (MAGEA4), undifferentiated spermatogonia (UTF1), proliferation (PCNA), and global DNA methylation (5mC). Throughout normal prepubertal testicular development, only the density of 5mC-positive spermatogonia significantly increased with age. In comparison, patients affected by disease and/or treatment showed a reduced density of UTF1-, PCNA- and 5mC-positive spermatogonia, whereas the percentage of spermatogonial subpopulations remained unchanged. As an exception, sickle cell disease patients treated with hydroxyurea displayed a reduction in both density and percentage of 5mC- positive spermatogonia. Our results demonstrate that, in general, a reduction in spermatogonial density does not alter the percentages of undifferentiated and proliferating spermatogonia, nor the establishment of global methylation. However, in sickle cell disease patients’, establishment of spermatogonial DNA methylation is impaired, which may be of importance for the potential use of these tissues in fertility preservation programs. “
What was the M8 used for?
Our digital microscope was used for scanning testicular tissue sections that were stained histochemically and immunohistochemically. We are proud that our microscope is part of this paper and hope that it will also find use in some following research.
Where can I find the publication?
If you want to read the whole publication, click on this link:
Development and Disease-Dependent Dynamics of Spermatogonial Subpopulations in Human Testicular Tissues
