Estrogen, Efferent Ductules, and the Epididymis

Estrogen's presence in the male reproductive system has been known for over 60 years, but its potential function in the epididymis remains an important area of investigation. Estrogen is synthesized by germ cells, producing a relatively high concentration in rete testis fluid. There are two est...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biology of reproduction Vol. 84; no. 2; pp. 207 - 217
Main Authors: Joseph, Avenel, Shur, Barry D, Hess, Rex A
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Madison, WI Society for the Study of Reproduction, Inc 01.02.2011
Society for the Study of Reproduction
Subjects:
Animals
Animals, Genetically Modified
Aromatase - deficiency
Biological and medical sciences
Epididymis - anatomy & histology
Epididymis - drug effects
Epididymis - physiology
Estrogen Antagonists - pharmacology
Estrogen Receptor alpha - deficiency
Estrogens - metabolism
Fertility - physiology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Genitalia, Male - metabolism
Humans
Male
Minireview
Models, Animal
Receptors, Estrogen - metabolism
Seminiferous Tubules - anatomy & histology
Seminiferous Tubules - physiology
Signal Transduction
Vertebrates: reproduction
Androgen
estradiol receptor
Estrogen
17β-Estradiol
Male genital duct
Male genital system
Ovarian hormone
Testosterone
Epididymis
Reproduction
Testicular hormone
Sex steroid hormone
male reproductive tract
Biological receptor
estradiol
ISSN:0006-3363, 1529-7268, 1529-7268
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Estrogen's presence in the male reproductive system has been known for over 60 years, but its potential function in the epididymis remains an important area of investigation. Estrogen is synthesized by germ cells, producing a relatively high concentration in rete testis fluid. There are two estrogen receptors (ESR), the presence of which in the head of the epididymis is well documented and consistent between species; however, in other regions of the epididymis, their expression appears to be isotype, species, and cell specific. ESR1 is expressed constitutively in the epididymis; however, its presence is downregulated by high doses of estrogen, making the design of experiments complicated, as the phenotype of the Cyp19a1⁻/⁻ mouse does not resemble that of the Esr1⁻/⁻ mouse. Ligand-independent and DNA-binding Esr1 mutant models further demonstrate the complexity and importance of both signaling pathways in maintenance of efferent ductules and epididymis. Data now reveal the presence of not only classical nuclear receptors, but also cytoplasmic ESR and rapid responding membrane receptors; however, their importance in the epididymis remains undetermined. ESR1 regulates ion transport and water reabsorption in the efferent ducts and epididymis, and its regulation of other associated genes is continually being uncovered. In the male, some genes, such as Aqp9 and Slc9a3, contain both androgen and estrogen response elements and are dually regulated by these hormones. While estrogen pathways are a necessity for fertility in the male, future studies are needed to understand the interplay between androgens and estrogens in epididymal tissues, particularly in cell types that contain both receptors and their cofactors.
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ISSN:0006-3363
1529-7268
1529-7268
DOI:10.1095/biolreprod.110.087353