Fig. 2

Histological and Immunostaining analysis of 7 age groups studied in the protocol (Gr1; Gr2; Gr3; Gr4; Gr5; Gr6; Gr7) for 4 conditions. HPS staining: Hematoxylin, Phloxine, Safran

-Immunohistochemistry staining specific: Androgen Receptor (AR); Connexin 43 (CX43); Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH).

Morphological aspects and immunohistochemistry profile with AR, Cx43 and AMH in the 7 age groups of normal testis. The seminiferous tubules have a prebubescent appearance (small tubules without lumen and spermatogonia) in group 1 to 5 (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A). In group 6, the tubules lengthen, central lumen become visible (6A). Leydig cells (*) are observed during minipuberty (2A, 3A) and more numerous at puberty (7A), immunostained by Cx43 (2C, 3C). No Leydig cell is observed in the other age groups (1A, 4A, 5A, 6A). Expression of AMH is specific by Sertoli cells decrease with age (1D, 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D 6D) and is almost zero at puberty (7D). Membranous staining of CX43 in Sertoli cells (←) is only present at puberty (7C). The AR expression in Sertoli cells (⇐) is very weak during minipuberty (2B), then turns negative (3B, 4B, 5B) to gradually reappear with significant expression in group 6 (6B) and strong expression in group 7 (7B). Peritubular cells (◊) are marked by immunostaining for AR in all age group (1B, 1B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B). *: Leydig cells,: peritubular cells nuclear AR staining membranous Cx43 staining