Estrogenic regulation of bicarbonate transporters from SLC4 family in rat Sertoli cells

Abstract

The formation of competent spermatozoa is a complex event that depends on the establishment of adequate environments throughout the male reproductive tract. Bicarbonate is essential not only to ionic homeostasis but also to pH maintenance along the male reproductive tract. Previous studies support an association of high 17β-estradiol (E2) levels with modulation of specific ion transporters expression. Herein we determined the effect of E2 on the expression/functionality of SLC4 family bicarbonate transporters in rat Sertoli cells (SCs). All studied transporters [anion exchanger 2 (AE2), Na(+)-driven Cl(-)/HCO3 (-) exchanger (NDCBE), electrogenic Na(+)/HCO3 (-) co-transporters (NBCe1), and electroneutral Na(+)/HCO3 (-) co-transporters (NBCn1)] were identified in SCs, being AE2 and NBCn1 the most abundant. In E2-treated cells (100 nM), increases in AE2 and NBCn1 protein levels were observed, as well as altered transcellular transport. E2-treated SCs presented a significant perturbation of ATP-induced short-circuit current. This alteration was concurrent with augmented AE2 and NBCn1 levels. Overall, we report a relation between increased E2 levels and the expression/function of AE2 and NBCn1 in rat SCs, providing new evidence on the mechanisms by which E2 can regulate SCs physiology and consequently spermatogenesis, with direct influence on male reproductive potential.

Estrogen Modulates Glycerol Permeability in Sertoli Cells through Downregulation of Aquaporin-9

“…The role of estrogens in male reproductive function has been exhaustively investigated in the last decades, providing evidence that estrogens are crucial to the establishment of male reproductive potential [ 3 , 23 , 24 ]. Fluid reabsorption and ion transport in some regions of the male reproductive tract are known to be regulated by steroid hormones [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. Indeed, as also reported in liver [ 29 ], steroid hormones, namely E2, can modulate the expression of some aquaglyceroporin isoforms and consequently change the fluid reabsorption in efferent ducts and epididymis [ 23 ].…”

Carbonic anhydrases are involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and control the production of lactate by human Sertoli cells

“…The principal mobile physiological pH buffer is , which protects the cells from changes in intracellular pH and in luminal fluids . The presence of transporters in the male reproductive tract is clear evidence that this ion is crucial for male reproduction . The alterations in concentration and pH in SCs can be related with disturbances in ionic balance in the male reproductive tract and can be a cause for subfertility or infertility .…”

Estradiol modulates Na+‐dependent HCO3− transporters altering intracellular pH and ion transport in human Sertoli cells: A role on male fertility?

“…Protein expression was evaluated by the Slot‐Blot technique, as previously described (Jesus et al., ; Bernardino et al., ). In brief, total proteins were extracted from human SCs using RIPA buffer (150 mM NaCl, 1% Nonidet‐P40 substitute, 0.5% Na‐deoxycholate, 0.1% SDS, 50 mM Tris pH 8 and 1 mM EDTA).…”