Figure 4.

Tcfl5 protein expression in mouse testis. (A) Left panel: western-blot analysis using P3-αTcfl5 antibody shows that a specific 55 kDa protein is recognized in total testis and spermatocyte protein extracts. PS, pachytene spermatocytes; RS, round spermatids; and Te, total testis. Right panel: competition experiment with immunizing peptide P3. Western blots of spermatocyte protein extracts were incubated with P3-αTcfl5 in the absence (−) or presence (+) of excess amount of peptide P3. (B) Immunohistochemical staining of Tcfl5 protein on testis sections. The upper panel shows the results obtained with P3-αTcfl5. The middle panel represents the results of the control competition experiment using the immunizing peptide P3. Tcfl5 is detected mainly in mid-to-late pachytene spermatocytes (ps), and this signal is lost in the competition experiment. The lower panel shows larger magnifications of P3-αTcfl5 immunostaining (left) and the control competition experiment (right). rs, round spermatids; es, elongating spermatids; m, metaphase spermatocytes; and roman numerals indicate the stage of the tubule cross-section. Size bar indicates 100 μm in the upper and middle panel, and 20 μm in the lower panel.