Expression and localization of aromatase during fetal mouse testis development.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Both androgens and estrogens are necessary to ensure proper testis development and function. Studies on endocrine disruptors have highlighted the importance of maintaining the balance between androgens and estrogens during fetal development, when testis is highly sensitive to environmental disturbances. This balance is regulated mainly through an enzymatic cascade that converts irreversibly androgens into estrogens. The most important and regulated component of this cascade is its terminal enzyme: the cytochrome p450 19A1 (aromatase hereafter). This study was conducted to improve our knowledge about its expression during mouse testis development.

Findings

By RT-PCR and western blotting, we show that full-length aromatase is expressed as early as 12.5 day post-coit

SUBMITTER: Borday C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4349472 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature