Lab Anim Res.  2016 Jun;32(2):128-132. 10.5625/lar.2016.32.2.128.

Differential expression of estrogen receptor α and progesterone receptor in the normal and cryptorchid testis of a dog

• Jung HY
• Yoo DY
• Jo YK
• Kim GA
• Chung JY
• Choi JH
• Jang G
• Hwang IK

• KMID: 2309087
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5625/lar.2016.32.2.128

Abstract

Descending of the testes is an important process for spermatogenesis and cryptorchidism is one of the most relevant genital defects in dogs. In a previous study, we observed abnormal morphology and proliferation of Sertoli cells in a cryptorchid testis. In the present study, we investigated the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the normal and cryptorchid testis of a dog. Elective orchidectomy was performed on the dog's abdominal right testis (undescended, cryptorchid) and scrotal left testis (descended, normal). In the normal testis, estrogen receptor α immunoreactivity was detected in Leydig cells alone, while estrogen receptor α immunoreactivity in the cryptorchid testis was significantly prominent in the Sertoli cells as well. In addition, progesterone receptor immunoreactivity in the control testis was detected in the spermatids, but was not detected in the cryptorchid testis. This result suggests that unilateral cryptorchidism causes increases of estrogen receptor α expression in Sertoli cells.

Keyword

Dog; estrogen receptor α; progesterone receptor; Sertoli cells; unilateral cryptorchidism

MeSH Terms

Animals
Cryptorchidism
Dogs*
Estrogens*
Leydig Cells
Male
Orchiectomy
Progesterone*
Receptors, Progesterone*
Sertoli Cells
Spermatids
Spermatogenesis
Testis*
Estrogens
Progesterone
Receptors, Progesterone

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Immunohistochemistry for ERα in the control (A) and cryptorchid (B) testis. Note that ERα immunoreactivity is found in the Leydig cells (arrows) of the control testis, while ERα immunoreactivity is also remarkably detected in the Sertoli cells (arrowheads) of the cryptorchid testis. Scale bar=50 µm. (C) Relative optical density (ROD) of ERα immunoreactivity per section is expressed as percentage of control group (10 sections; *P<0.05, control vs. cryptorchid group). All data are represented as the mean ± SEM.

• 

  Figure 2 Immunohistochemistry for PR in the control (A) and cryptorchid (B) testis. Note that PR immunoreactivity is only detected in spermatids of control testis. Scale bar=50 µm. (C) Relative optical density (ROD) of PR immunoreactivity per section is expressed as percentage of control group (10 sections; *P<0.05, control vs. cryptorchid group). All data are represented as the mean ± SEM.

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