Molecular Human Reproduction, Vol. 7, No. 3, 227-236,
March 2001
© 2001 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
Testis and spermatogenesis |
Differential expression of oestrogen receptor 
and ß proteins in the testes and male reproductive system of human and non-human primates
MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, 37 Chalmers Street, Edinburgh EH3 9ET, UK
Abstract
The role(s) oestrogens play in male adult reproductive function remains uncertain. We have used antibodies specific for oestrogen receptor- 
(ER) and - ß (ERß) to investigate their distribution within the male. In testes from adult human, macaque and marmoset, ERß protein was detected in Sertoli cells, Leydig cells and peritubular myoid cells. In germ cells, the intensity of immunostaining for ERß was variable between species. Immunoexpression in preleptotene, leptotene and zygotene spermatocytes was low/absent in all species. Elongated spermatids were consistently immunonegative. No ER immunoexpression was detected in testes. ERß was detected in epithelial and stromal cell nuclei throughout the male reproductive system [efferent ductules (ED), epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles] and in the bladder. ER was detected in non-ciliated epithelial cells in the ED, but rarely in epithelial and basal cells within the epididymis. Epithelial cells from seminal vesicles and bladder were immunonegative for ER. Expression of ER in stromal cells was rare in the ED, epididymis and bladder but more frequent in seminal vesicles. Expression of ER, and long and short forms of ERß, was confirmed by Western blotting. The widespread expression of ERß suggests that it is the primary target for modulation of tissue function via oestrogenic ligands in the male reproductive system.
efferent ductules/epididymis/oestrogen receptor/testis/vas deferens
Notes
1 To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: p.saunders{at}ed.ac.uk
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