Cell-specific expression of Gq/11 protein and mRNA in rat seminiferous tubules.

As part of a study to elucidate the involvement of G proteins in signal transduction in testicular cells, we have examined the cellular localization of Gq/11 within the seminiferous tubules. The somatic cells (Sertoli cells, peritubular cells) contain high amounts of both Gq/11 alpha mRNA and immunoreactive protein. In contrast, very low levels of these G proteins and the corresponding mRNAs are present in the germ cells (pachytene spermatocytes, round spermatids). Thus, in the germ cells, receptor-regulated inositol phospholipid hydrolysis is not likely to be regulated via Gq/11, but rather through the Go protein, which has been previously shown to be abundant in rat germ cells. Since the somatic cells are nearly devoid of Go, the Gpp(NH)p-stimulated phospholipase C in these cells is probably regulated by Gq and/or G11.