Expression of P-450 aromatase, estrogen receptor α and β, and α-inhibin in the fetal baboon testis after estrogen suppression during the second half of gestation.

ABSTRACT: Expression of the molecules that modulate the synthesis and action of estrogen in, or reflect function of, Sertoli cells was determined in the fetal testis of baboons in which estrogen levels were suppressed in the second half of gestation to determine whether this may account for the previously reported alteration in fetal testis germ cell development. P-450 aromatase, estrogen receptor (ER) β, and α-inhibin protein assessed by immunocytochemistry was abundantly expressed in Sertoli cells of the fetal baboon testis, but unaltered in baboons in which estrogen levels were suppressed by letrozole administration. Moreover, P-450 aromatase and ERα and β mRNA levels, assessed by real-time RT-PCR, were similar in germ/Sertoli cells and interstitial cells isolated from the fetal testis of untreat

SUBMITTER: Bonagura TW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3381799 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature