Open AccessDifferential expression of estrogen receptors (ERα/ERβ) in testis of mature and immature pigs
Author(s) -
Rago Vittoria,
Maggiolini Marcello,
Vivacqua Adele,
Palma Antonio,
Carpino Amalia
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
the anatomical record part a: discoveries in molecular, cellular, and evolutionary biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1552-4892
pISSN - 1552-4884
DOI - 10.1002/ar.a.20131
Subject(s) - estrogen receptor , biology , estrogen , estrogen receptor beta , estrogen receptor alpha , medicine , immunohistochemistry , endocrinology , western blot , receptor , somatic cell , gene isoform , andrology , immunology , gene , biochemistry , genetics , cancer , breast cancer
High affinity estrogen receptors (ERs) mediate estrogen action in male reproductive tissues. The objective of the present study was the immunolocalization of estrogen receptor α and estrogen receptor β in immature and mature testes of pig, a species in which the role of estrogens on gonadal function is scarcely known. Testes from 3 and 18 month‐old pigs were investigated. Immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin embedded‐tissues using both mouse anti‐human monoclonal IgG ERα and IgG ERβ 1 isoform. Western blot analysis demonstrated antibody specificity. ERα staining was not observed in immature testes, but it was detected in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and in the most Leydig cells of mature testes. ERβ immunoreactivity was observed in spermatogonia and Leydig cells of immature gonads, while it was clearly detected in spermatogonia and in spermatocytes of adult pig testes. The differential ERα/ERβ expression in germ and somatic cells of the gonads suggest a role of estrogens in function and in development of pig testis. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.