Study of spermatogenic and Sertoli cells in the Hu sheep testes at different developmental stages

Abstract Spermatogenesis is a highly organized process by which undifferentiated spermatogonia self‐renew and differentiate into spermatocytes and spermatids. The entire developmental process from spermatogonia to sperm occurs within the seminiferous tubules. Spermatogenesis is supported by the close interaction of germ cells with Sertoli cells. In this study, testicular tissues were collected from Hu sheep at 8 timepoints after birth: 0, 30, 90, 180, 270, 360, 540, and 720 days. Immunofluorescence staining and histological analysis were used to explore the development of male germ cells and Sertoli cells in the Hu sheep testes at these timepoints. The changes in seminiferous tubule diameter and male germ cells in the Hu sheep testes at these different developmental stages were analyzed. Then, specific molecular markers were used to study the proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonia, the timepoint of spermatocyte appearance, and the maturation and proliferation of Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules. Finally, the formation of the blood–testes barrier was studied using antibodies against the main components of the blood–testes barrier, β‐catenin, and ZO‐1. These findings not only increased the understanding of the development of the Hu sheep testes, but also laid a solid theoretical foundation for Hu sheep breeding.