Expression of a blood-brain barrier-specific antigen in the reproductive tract of the male rat

The endothelial barrier antigen (EBA) is a protein expressed specifically by the endothelial cells of the rat brain barrier vessels. This antigen has been described as a 'barrier protein' and is used as a marker for the competent blood-brain barrier. A blood-testis barrier has also been described. However, unlike the blood-brain barrier, which is formed by endothelial cells, the blood-testis barrier is formed mainly by the Sertoli cells, which provide an isolated environment for spermatogenic cells within the seminiferous tubules. Testicular blood vessels express the erythroid glucose transporter protein and other markers, which are strongly expressed in brain blood vessels, and may contribute to the blood-testis barrier. This study was carried out to determine whether Sertoli cells or testicular blood vessels express EBA. Tissues of other organs were used as controls for EBA expression. EBA was expressed by the endothelial cells in most microvessels of the testis, and in a few vessels of the epididymis, seminal vesicle, prostate gland, vas deferens and bladder-neck region. Furthermore, EBA was strongly and consistently detected in epithelial cells of the rete testis and dorsolateral prostate gland, and in a few epithelial cells of the ventral prostate gland, the seminal vesicle and the coagulating gland. However, Sertoli cells, which are the main site of the blood-testis barrier, were negative for EBA. In conclusion, EBA may have a wider role in rat tissues than has been previously appreciated.