Localization of oestrogen receptor alpha, oestrogen receptor beta and androgen receptors in the rat reproductive organs

Abstract

There is now evidence that oestrogens and androgens can influence male and female reproductive systems. In order to accurately identify the sites of action of oestrogens and androgens, we have proceeded to the histological localization of the two oestrogen receptor (ER) subtypes, ER and ER , and the androgen receptor (AR) in the reproductive tissues of adult rats of both sexes. AR was detected by immunocytochemistry, while ER and ER were localized by both immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. In the pituitary gland of animals of both sexes, ER was found in the majority of nuclei of secretory cells in the anterior pituitary. The intermediate and posterior lobes did not show any staining. ER was not found to be expressed in any of the pituitary lobes. Using AR antibodies, nuclear staining was detected in about 50% of secretory cells of the anterior lobe, the intermediate and posterior lobes being completely unstained. In the testis, ER was localized in nuclei of Leydig cells as well as in round spermatocytes and spermatids, while ER could only be detected in Sertoli cell nuclei. AR immunoreactivity was found in nuclei of Sertoli, peritubular myoid and Leydig cells. In the prostate, ER was observed in epithelial cells of tubulo-alveoli, while the stroma was unlabelled. ER was not found to be expressed in any prostate cells. In the prostate, AR was detected in nuclei of epithelial, stromal and endothelial cells. In seminal vesicles, staining of ER was found in nuclei of epithelial and stromal cells. Similar findings were observed using AR antibodies. While ER mRNA could not be detected by in situ hybridization, weak staining for ER was localized in epithelial cells of seminal vesicles. In the ovary, both ER and ER were found to be expressed. ER mRNA was found in granulosa cells of growing follicles, while ER was present in theca cells, interstitial gland cells and germinal epithelium. AR immunoreactivity was detected in granulosa cell nuclei in growing follicles and also in scattered interstitial cells. In the oviduct and uterus, ER was observed in nuclei of epithelial cells as well as of stromal and muscle cells. Similarly, AR immunoreactivity was present in nuclei of epithelial cells, stromal and muscle cells in both the oviduct and uterus. ER was not detected in the oviduct and uterus. The present findings indicate a cell-specific localization of ER , ER and AR in reproductive tissues in rats of both sexes. By establishing the precise sites of action of oestrogens and androgens they contribute to a better understanding of the respective role of these steroids in reproduction function.

Testicular angiogenic activity in response to food restriction in rabbits

“…Testosterone withdrawal decreased endothelial cell proliferation, showing that hormonally regulated endothelial cell proliferation is not unique to female reproductive tract but takes place also in male reproductive organs (Lissbrant et al 2003). Besides, androgen receptors have been shown in endothelial cells in rat and human prostate (El Alfy et al 1999, Pelletier et al 2000. The high proliferation rate in endothelial cells suggests remodeling of the testicular microvasculature (Collin & Bergh 1996), which might have occurred in the testes of the most food-restricted rabbits (group C), in the present study.…”

Neonatal Exposure to Genistein Reduces Expression of Estrogen Receptor Alpha and Androgen Receptor in Testes of Adult Mice.

“…However, little is known about their effects on sexual hormone receptors (ERa, ERJ3 and AR) in testis. ERa is localized in nuclei of Leydig cells, round spermatocytes and spermatids in the testis, and ERJS is found in Sertoli cell nuclei, and AR is localized in nuclei of Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cells and Leydig cells during prepubertal development [18,19]. A recent study has demonstrated that ERa knockout mice show male infertility in adulthood [20].…”

Spatiotemporal Expression Pattern of Gadd45g Signaling Pathway Components in the Mouse Uterus Following Hormonal Steroid Treatments

“…Excluding some splicing variants, two major estrogen receptor (ER) forms, namely ERα and ERβ are expressed in both the epithelial and stromal cells of the rodent uterus [21][22][23][24][25][26][27]. Although ERβ is detected to a lower level and exclusively in the late phase of gestation, both forms are expressed throughout gestational development in a temporalspecific manner [5].…”

“…Although ERβ is detected to a lower level and exclusively in the late phase of gestation, both forms are expressed throughout gestational development in a temporalspecific manner [5]. As for the androgen receptor (AR) it is expressed in both types of epithelial cells (glandular and luminal), in stromal and smooth muscle cells of the rat and mouse [27][28][29], and in the human uterus [30].…”