Localization of P450 aromatase in sperm and estrogen receptors in the epididymal region of the rooster

The epididymal region of the rooster (rete testis, efferent ductules, and epididymal duct) has an important role in the production of fertile sperm by controlling the luminal microenvironment required for sperm maturation. Even though androgen is the major hormone involved in regulating functions of the epididymal region, there are many other regulatory molecules in testicular fluid that appear to play a role. The presence of estrogen receptors (ER) in the male reproductive tract suggests that estrogen may be important for epididymal functions. This investigation was undertaken to test the hypothesis that estrogen has a role in the regulation of the male reproductive system of the rooster. Specific objectives of my dissertation were: (1) to determine if germ cells and epididymal sperm are sources of estrogen; (2) to determine if the epididymal region of the rooster is a target for estrogen; and (3) to determine if testicular steroids regulate the expression of ER in the epididymal region of the rooster. The major findings were: (1) adult rooster testicular germ cells and epididymal sperm contain active P450 aromatase (P450arom) which converts androgens to estrogens; (2) ER and ER mRNA are present in the epididymal region of the rooster, which suggests that this region is a target for estrogen; and (3) steady state levels of ER mRNA in the epididymal region of roosters was suppressed in the presence of reduced serum concentrations of testosterone. These data clearly demonstrate that rooster germ cells and epididymal sperm are sites for the synthesis of estrogen and the epididymal region of the rooster is a target for estrogen. Preliminary studies suggest that testicular steroids may regulate the expression of ER in the epididymal region of the rooster. The presence of estrogen as well as ER in the epididymal region suggests that estrogen might be involved in the regulation of epididymal functions in the rooster.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Animal Sciences

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Kwon, Seok

Contributors dc:contributor

• Bahr, Janice M.

• Biology, Cell
• Biology, Animal Physiology

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1996 Kwon, Seok

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

9780591088137
AAI9702570
(UMI)AAI9702570

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/19964