Testicular secretion of inhibin in the male golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

Abstract

To identify the cellular source of inhibin in the male golden hamster, we have used complementary approaches, immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Strong positive staining of the inhibin α subunit was observed in both the Sertoli and Leydig cells of the testes. No specific staining was observed for the inhibin βA subunit, whereas specific staining for the inhibin βB subunit was strongly positive in the Leydig cells. Inhibin pro-αC and inhibin B were detected in peripheral plasma, and testicular homogenate also contained large amounts of inhibin pro-αC and inhibin B. However, inhibin A was not detected either in peripheral plasma or in testicular homogenate. Pla..