Specific distribution of messenger ribonucleic acids for 24-kilodalton proteins in the mouse epididymis as revealed by in situ hybridization: developmental expression and regulation in the adult.

Specific mRNAs for 24-kDa proteins specific to the caput epididymidis were quantified by filter hybridization, and cellular distribution was assessed by in situ hybridization of tissue sections. Messenger RNAs were detectable in 10-day-old animals, rapidly increased in quantity between 15 and 20 days, and reached a maximum at 40 days of age. The marked increase in concentration of mRNAs could be associated with the increase in epididymal testosterone content. Near 26 days of age, specific perinuclear and basal localization of mRNAs occurred in the principal cells of segment I, and a wide cytoplasmic distribution was observed in segment II. In the adult, mRNA levels decreased by 50% 3 days after castration and became undetectable within 30 days. Administration of testosterone to castrated mice caused an increase in mRNA levels, which reach almost normal levels after 3 days of treatment. Nevertheless, the particular organization of segment 1 was not restored. A similar observation was made after hemicastration or ligation of the efferent duct on the operated side. If expression of the mRNAs appears to be mostly under androgenic control, other testicular factors may be involved in the regulation of mRNA distribution in segment I.