The study was designed to explore the association between the immunolocalization of alpha-smooth muscle actin ( α- SMA) and S100 proteins within the efferent ductules (ED) from one side, and the sexual maturity and seasonality from the other side. For each season, tissue specimens were obtained from 7 adult and 7 juvenile, clinically healthy male dromedaries. Specimens were investigated by the standard immunohistochemical procedures. The immunohistochemical findings displayed that the pattern of expression was similar for both proteins, either in adults or in juveniles. Expression was significantly higher in adults during season of sexual activity (winter), fairly reduced during periods of transition from activity to inactivity (spring) or from inactivity to activity (autumn) and reaches its lowest magnitude during season of sexual inactivity (summer). On the other hand, a moderate immunoreactivity of both proteins in ED from juvenile male camels was nearly uniform throughout the year. The immunoreactivity for both α-SMA (smooth muscle cells in ductular and vascular walls) and S100 (ductular ciliated cells), was evident during periods of sexual activity. It can be concluded that the immunoreactivity is androgen- dependent and positively correlated with both of sexual activity and maturity, suggesting a crucial role of both α-SMA and S100 proteins in the regulation of the diverse functions of the ED in male dromedaries.
KEY WORDS: Dromedary camel; Efferent ductules, α−SMA; S100; Immunohistochemistry.
ALKAFAFY, M. E. Impact of sexual maturity and seasonality on immunolocalization of S100 and alpha smooth muscle actin in the efferent ductules of the dromedary camel. Int. J. Morphol., 42(5):1347-1354, 2024.
