RSPO1 protein content and distribution pattern during male gonad development.

<p>Left panel: (Upper part) Western blot analysis of RSPO1 in 13.5, 16.5 and 18.5 dpc embryonic male gonads, and 13.5 dpc male germ cells. As RSPO1 western blot negative control 17.5 dpc intestine is also reported. Two different bands, corresponding to the immature (27 KDa band) and the glycosilated isoform (30 KDa band), were detected. (Lower part) Confocal microscopy analysis of RSPO1 distribution observed by whole mount immunofluorescence (FITC signal) in 15.5 dpc ovary (positive control) and in 13.5 dpc male germ cells. RSPO1 immuno-labeled germ cells were double stained with anti-VASA (germ cell marker) antibody. Right panel: Confocal microscopy analysis of RSPO1 distribution observed by whole mount immunofluorescence (FITC signal) in 11.5 (A), 12.5 (C and D), 13.5 (E and F), 16.5 (G and H), and 18.5 dpc (I and L) male UGRs at different magnifications. In B the corresponding bright field of 11.5 dpc male genital ridge is reported. ce: coelomic epithelium; gr: genital ridge; ms: mesonephros; tc: testicular cords; ts: testis, ov: ovary.