PMID: 2485707Mar 1, 1989Paper

Structural proteins in sexual differentiation of embryonic gonads

The International Journal of Developmental Biology
K FröjdmanL J Pelliniemi

Abstract

Sexual differentiation of embryonic gonads was studied by immunocytochemical analysis of cytoskeleton, basement membrane and extracellular matrix. The epithelial cells of the prospective gonadal region in both sexes contained vimentin and desmin intermediate filament proteins but not cytokeratin. Basement membrane components laminin, collagen types IV and V, heparan sulfate proteoglycan, and fibronectin were seen in an unorganized form in the extracellular space. The development of the gonads started by proliferation of the pregonadal epithelial cells, which formed separate clusters and loose mesenchyme. In the male gonad the clusters joined together into elongated cords, outlined by basement membrane components. The cord cells became polarized epithelial cells, and cytokeratin appeared with the disappearance of desmin in their cytoplasm. Desmin and vimentin remained in the interstitial cells. In the female gonad the clusters were smaller, and the cords were irregular in shape and size. Desmin disappeared from the cord cells and cytokeratin appeared, but more slowly and less well polarized than in the testis. The present results show that after common early development, the sexual differences in gonads emerge as different organ...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.