Effects of picric acid-formaldehyde fixation on the LH(HCG) receptors' binding activity in the rat testis. A histochemichal model for qualitative and quantitative studies

Histochemistry. 1977 May 20;52(2):129-43. doi: 10.1007/BF00492289.

Abstract

PAF (picric acid-formaldehyde) fixation of rat testis for a short time at 0-4 degrees C was found to give satisfactory histological results and to preserve most of the specific binding activity of LH(HCG) receptors. Investigations of the characteristics of the hormone-receptor reaction after mild PAF fixation indicated that this reaction was not substantially affected in hormne receptor affinity and its own specificity; only the capacity of the receptors was lowered by about 20%. A histochemical model is presented whose main features are: fixation of testis tissue in PAF; freezing in liquid nitrogen and cutting in the cryostat; radiolabelled hormone-receptor binding reaction performed on the sections; autoradiography to reveal the binding reaction. The utility of the method for qualitative and quantitative receptor studies and its possible application to biopsy and surgical specimens, are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoradiography
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin / metabolism*
  • Fixatives / pharmacology*
  • Formaldehyde / pharmacology
  • Histocytochemistry / methods
  • Luteinizing Hormone / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Picrates / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / drug effects*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
  • Testis / drug effects
  • Testis / metabolism*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Chorionic Gonadotropin
  • Fixatives
  • Picrates
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Formaldehyde
  • Luteinizing Hormone