Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Evolutionary Conservation of CD68 Expression in the Male Genital Tract: Significance for Fertility Physiology and Potential Implications for Dysfunction. A Preliminary Study.

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors
Fabio Castagna 1
Roberto Bava 2
Stefano Ruga 2
Anna Costagliola 3
Emilia Langella 4
Renato Lombardi 5
Nicola Mirabella 3
Giovanna Liguori 5
1 Department of Health Sciences, Universityy Magna Graecia of Catanzaro
2 Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy
3 Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137, Naples, Italy
4 Department of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences (DAFE), University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
5 Local Health Authority (ASL) Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
10.22059/ijvm.2026.408066.1005993
Abstract
Background: Although it is present in certain non-immune organs, CD68 is most recognized as a lysosome-associated membrane protein (LAMP) in immune cells. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the location of CD68 in the alpaca's testis and caput epididymis (Vicugna pacos). Methods: Immunohistochemistry was carried out on alpaca ticket slicec from reproductive organs. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed strong CD68 staining in epithelial cells of the caput epididymis, with clear regional differences: distal segments showed both supranuclear and basal cytoplasmic labeling, whereas proximal segments displayed mainly granular staining above the nucleus. In the testis, CD68 immunoreactivity was found in pre-leptotene spermatocytes and in developing germ cells, including round and elongating spermatids. These patterns closely resemble those previously described in the rat epididymis. Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that CD68 expression in the male reproductive tract is philogenetically conserved across mammals and may play an important non-immune role in germ cell development and epididymal function, potentially contributing to sperm maturation. The results also support the use of the alpaca as a valuable model for exploring the evolutionary roles of lysosomal proteins in male fertility.
Keywords
CD68
epididymis
immunohistochemistry
sperm maturation
testis
Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 May 2026