Immunolocalization of 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD in the testis of the spotted ray Torpedo marmorata

Using polyclonal antibodies, we examined the localization of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) as markers of the site of steroidogenetic activity during the spermatogenesis of Torpedo marmorata. These enzymes play a central role in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, including androgen and oestrogen production. We demonstrated that in the spotted ray testis, Sertoli and Leydig cells, as well as spermatogonia, show a positive reaction to anti 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD antibodies. In particular, we demonstrated that Sertoli cells show a positive reaction to anti 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD antibodies in cysts containing spermatogonia and spermatozoa, while Leydig cells present a positive reaction only when they are located between cysts containing meiotic cells. This study strongly suggests that, as hypothesised in our previous study [Prisco, M., Liguoro, A., D’Onghia, B., Ricchiari, L., Andreuccetti, P., Angelini, F., 2002. Fine structure of Leydig and Sertoli cells in the testis of immature and mature spotted ray Torpedo marmorata. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 63, 192–201.], Sertoli and Leydig cells are differently involved in the hormonal control of spermatogenesis: Sertoli cells before the beginning of meiosis and after spermiation, Leydig cells only during meiosis phase. Moreover, the present paper deals with the possibility that also spermatogonia are engaged in the production of androgen hormones, as they are characterized by the presence of 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD enzymes, and show the ultrastructural features of steroid hormone-producing cells.