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

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

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

Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine

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

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