Expression of stem-cell factor and its receptor c-kit protein in normal testicular tissue and malignant germ-cell tumours

摘要: The proto-oncogene c-kit and its ligand stemcell factor (SCF) may play an important role in the development of normal malignant testicular tissue. This study investigates presence SCF protein 32 orchiectomy specimens patients with cancer, 5 tissue three established non-seminomatous germ-cell cancer cell lines (H12.1, H32, 577ML) by immunohistochemical approach. Out 9 classified as pure seminomas, 7 (78%) showed a strong reaction for both on surface tumour cells. Fourteen tumours composed embryonal carcinoma were completely negative only faint positivity was found 6 (26%). Differentiated teratomatous structures within nonseminomatous 8 11 (73%) cases. All staining reactions none SCF. No secretion vitro detected. addition high concentrations (100 ng/ml) to culture conditions without fetal calf serum resulted 1.4 3-fold growth stimulation compared serum-free medium alone. effect not detectable when cells cultured serum-containing media. In germ-cells displayed while at tubular membrane Sertoli SCF/c-kit system possess regulatory function possibly providing microenvironment necessary spermatogenesis. With this seems be lost, particularly tumours. A growthstimulatory can detected effects achievable combination other factors need further studied, well c-kit/SCF spermatogenesis possible implications understanding treatment male infertility.