Figure 5. Dr5 is expressed in Kit⁻ and Kit⁺ spermatogonia and is upregulated in committed progenitors post-IR.

Combined flow cytometric analysis of the expression of stem cell markers and Dr5 receptor in testicular cell suspensions. Testicular cell suspensions were stained with Ho42, and immunolabeled for the detection of α₆-integrin, c-Kit and Dr5. Isotypic controls were performed in parallel. Hematopoietic CD45⁺ cells were excluded from the SP fraction and experiments were performed on cells (a) non-irradiated and (b) 12 h post-IR. FACS plots are gated on α₆-integrin⁺ cells, c-Kit positive (mature progenitors) or negative (Stem cells and immature progenitors) cells and numbers indicate their percentage (±SEM).