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Qiang Weng - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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seasonal expressions of androgen receptor estrogen receptors 5α reductases and p450arom in the Epididymis of the male muskrat ondatra zibethicus
2019Co-Authors: Wenyang Yu, Haolin Zhang, Zhengrong Yuan, Haotong Zhuang, Qiang WengAbstract:Abstract The steroid hormones not only exert various endocrine functions but also act as the autocrine or paracrine factors in different tissues of mammals. In the present study, the seasonal expressions of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ), aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) and 5α-reductase 1, 2 were investigated in the Epididymis of the muskrat. HE staining showed enlarged lumen and abundant sperm in the breeding season while reduced lumen with no sperm in the non-breeding season. The staining of AR was presented in nuclei of epithelial cells of the Epididymis in both seasons. The immunostaining of ERα was localized in both nuclei and cytoplasm of epithelial cells of the Epididymis during the breeding season, while the weak staining of ERα was only in the nuclei of epithelial cells during the non-breeding season. In contrast, ERβ signal was negative in the Epididymis of the muskrat in both seasons. The positive signals for P450arom and 5α-reductase 1, 2 were found in the cytoplasm of epithelial and smooth muscle cells during both seasons. Moreover, the protein and mRNA expression levels of AR, ERα, P450arom and 5α-reductase 1, 2 were significantly higher in the Epididymis during the breeding season than those of the non-breeding season, and the expression level of 5α-reductase 1 was higher when compared with 5α-reductase 2. In addition, the levels of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the Epididymis and serum were remarkably higher during the breeding season. Taken together, these findings suggested androgen and estrogen might play an important endocrine or autocrine/paracrine role to regulate the epididymal functions of the muskrat.
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seasonal expressions of oxytocin and oxytocin receptor in Epididymis of the male muskrat ondatra zibethicus
2019Co-Authors: Y Xiao, Haolin Zhang, Zhengrong Yuan, Qiang WengAbstract:Abstract Oxytocin (OT) is presented in the male reproductive tract and has various physiological functions, such as stimulating contraction of the reproductive tract and aiding sperm transport. In this study we investigated seasonal expressions of OT and oxytocin receptor (OTR) in the Epididymis of the muskrat during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Morphologically, the weight and length of Epididymis in the breeding season were significantly higher than those in the non-breeding season. In the breeding season, the lumen diameter and epithelial thickness of Epididymis increased significantly, and there were a large number of sperms in the lumen. However, in the non-breeding season, the diameter of the lumen became significantly narrower, the epithelial height became thinner, and there was no sperm in the lumen. Immunohistochemical results showed that OT and OTR were presented in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells and smooth muscle cells within the Epididymis, and the immunostainings of OT and OTR in the breeding season were significantly stronger compared with the non-breeding. In consistent with the immunohistochemical results, the mRNA levels of OT and OTR were higher in the whole Epididymis during the breeding season than those in the non-breeding season. In addition, the concentrations of OT in the Epididymis and sera were both significantly higher in the breeding season when compared to the non-breeding season. These results suggested that the Epididymis of the muskrat was the direct target organ of OT, and OT might play a regulatory role in the epididymal function via endocrine or autocrine/paracrine manners.
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seasonal expressions of androgen receptor p450arom and estrogen receptors in the Epididymis of the wild ground squirrel citellus dauricus brandt
2019Co-Authors: Junjie Wang, Qian Liu, Yi Wang, Qiong Gao, Fuli Gao, Haolin Zhang, Yingying Han, Zhengrong Yuan, Qiang WengAbstract:The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal expressions of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ) and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) in the Epididymis of the wild ground squirrel. Histologically, the Epididymis was with larger duct diameter and cell population during the breeding season. AR was presented in the peritubular smooth muscle cells and epithelial cells in the whole Epididymis with stronger staining in the breeding period. P450arom was intensely localized in epithelial cells and spermatozoa during the breeding season, absent in the non-breeding season and moderately stained in pre-hibernation. During the breeding season, ERα was intensely expressed in epithelial cytoplasm and/or nucleus, whereas in the non-breeding season and pre-hibernation, weaker staining signal was found in nucleus of epithelial cells. ERβ was absent in the entire annual cycle by immunohistochemical and Real-time PCR detection. The mRNA levels of AR, P450arom and ERα were higher in the Epididymis of the breeding season when compared to those of the non-breeding season and pre-hibernation. Taken together, these results suggest that Epididymis of the wild ground squirrel is a primary target for androgen and estrogen, and the expression of P450arom represents that Epididymis may be a potential source of estrogen.
Avenel Joseph - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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estrogen efferent ductules and the Epididymis
2011Co-Authors: Avenel Joseph, Barry D Shur, Rex A HessAbstract: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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absence of estrogen receptor alpha leads to physiological alterations in the mouse Epididymis and consequent defects in sperm function
2010Co-Authors: Avenel Joseph, Rex A Hess, David J Schaeffer, Susan Hudginspivey, Pierre Chambon, Barry D ShurAbstract:Male mice deficient in ESR1 (ERalpha) (Esr1KO mice) are infertile, and sperm recovered from the cauda Epididymis exhibit reduced motility and fail to fertilize eggs in vitro. These effects on sperm appear to result from defective epididymal function and not a direct effect on spermatogenesis, as Esr1KO germ cells transplanted into wild-type testes yield normal offspring. We hypothesized that the previously described defect in efferent duct fluid reabsorption would lead to alterations in the epididymal fluid milieu, which would negatively impact sperm function. Analysis of the epididymal fluid revealed that the Esr1KO maintains a higher luminal pH throughout the Epididymis, confirming an inability of the efferent ducts and/or Epididymis to properly acidify the luminal contents. Subsequent studies showed that these abnormalities were not the result of global defects in epididymal function since protein secretion by the Esr1KO Epididymis appeared normal as judged by SDS-PAGE of total secreted proteins and by immunoblotting of candidate secreted proteins. To gain insight into the basis of the aberrant fluid homeostasis in the Esr1KO Epididymis, the expression of several enzymes and transporters known to be involved in acid/base regulation were analyzed. The levels of SLC9A3 (NHE3) as well as carbonic anhydrase XIV and SLC4A4 (NBC1) were all reduced in the proximal portion of the Esr1KO Epididymis, while other components appeared unaffected, including other ion transporters and ATP6V0A1 (V-ATPase). The altered luminal milieu of the Esr1KO Epididymis was shown to lead to a corresponding increase in the intracellular pH of Esr1KO sperm, relative to sperm from control animals. Since pH and bicarbonate ions are critical regulators of sperm cAMP levels and motility, we attempted to bypass the abnormal luminal and intracellular environment by supplementing sperm with exogenous cAMP. This treatment rescued all defective motility parameters, as assayed by CASA, further showing that motility defects are not intrinsic to the sperm but, rather, result from the abnormal epididymal milieu.
Rukmali Wijayarathna - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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comparative analysis of activins a and b in the adult mouse Epididymis and vas deferens
2018Co-Authors: Rukmali Wijayarathna, Helen Ludlow, Kate L Loveland, David M De Kretser, Rajini Sreenivasan, Ralf Middendorff, Andreas Meinhardt, Mark P HedgerAbstract:Activin A regulates testicular and epididymal development, but the role of activin B in the Epididymis and vas deferens is unknown. Mouse models with reduced activin A (Inhba+/- and InhbaBK/+), or its complete absence (InhbaBK/BK), were investigated to identify specific roles of activins in the male reproductive tract. In 8-week-old Inhba+/- mice, serum activin A decreased by 70%, with a 50% reduction of gene expression and protein in the testis, Epididymis and vas deferens. Activin B and the activin-binding protein, follistatin, were similar to wild-type. Testis weights were slightly reduced in Inhba+/- mice, but the Epididymis and vas deferens were normal, while the mice were fertile. Activin A was decreased by 70% in the serum, testis, Epididymis and vas deferens of InhbaBK/+ mice and was undetectable in InhbaBK/BK mice, but activin B and follistatin levels were similar to wild-type. In 6-week-old InhbaBK/BK mice, testis weights were 60% lower and epididymal weights were 50% lower than in either InhbaBK/+ or wild-type mice. The cauda epididymal epithelium showed infoldings and less intra-luminal sperm, similar to 3.5-week-old wild-type mice, but at 8 weeks, no structural differences in the testis or Epididymis were noted between InhbaBK/BK and wild-type mice. Thus, Inhbb can compensate for Inhba in regulating epididymal morphology, although testis and epididymal maturation is delayed in mice lacking Inhba Crucially, reduction or absence of activin A, at least in the presence of normal activin B levels, does not lead to major defects in the adult Epididymis or vas deferens.
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activin and follistatin interactions in the male reproductive tract activin expression and morphological abnormalities in mice lacking follistatin 288
2017Co-Authors: Rukmali Wijayarathna, Mai A Sarraj, R Genovese, Jane E Girling, Vera Michel, Helen Ludlow, Kate L LovelandAbstract:Activin A is an important regulator of testicular and epididymal development and function, as well as inflammation and immunity. In the adult murine reproductive tract, activin A mRNA (Inhba) expression levels are highest in the caput Epididymis and decrease progressively towards the distal vas deferens. The activin-binding protein, follistatin (FST), shows the opposite expression pattern, with exceptionally high levels of the Fst288 mRNA variant in the vas deferens. This unique pattern of expression suggests that activin A and follistatin, in particular FST288, play region-specific roles in regulating the Epididymis and vas deferens. The cellular distribution of activin and follistatin and structural organization of the male reproductive tract was examined in wild-type and transgenic (TghFST315) mice lacking FST288. Compared to wild-type littermates, TghFST315 mice showed a 50% reduction in serum follistatin and a significant elevation of both activin A and B. Testicular, epididymal and seminal vesicle weights were reduced, but intra-testicular testosterone was normal. A decrease in the epididymal duct diameter in the corpus and thickening of the peritubular smooth muscle in the cauda, together with increased coiling of the proximal vas deferens, were observed in TghFST315 mice. No immune cell infiltrates were detected. Immunohistochemistry indicated that epithelial cells are the main source of activins and follistatin in the Epididymis and vas deferens. Activin A, but not activin B, was also localized to sperm heads in the lumen of the Epididymis and vas deferens. Expression of Inhba and another immunoregulatory gene, indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (Ido-1), was increased approximately twofold in the TghFST315 caput Epididymis, but several other genes associated with immunoregulation, inflammation or fibrosis were unaffected. Our novel data indicate that disruption of follistatin expression has significant effects on the testis and Epididymis, and suggest an association between activin A and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase in the caput Epididymis, with implications for the epididymal immunoenvironment.
Sylvie Breton - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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revisiting structure functions of the human Epididymis
2019Co-Authors: Robert Sullivan, Sylvie Breton, Christine Legare, Jerome Lamontagneproulx, Denis SouletAbstract:Background The Epididymis is the hallmark of all vertebrate species practicing internal fertilization. While the functions of the Epididymis are well documented in laboratory rodents and some domestic animals, the structure and functions of the Epididymis in humans remain poorly documented. Objectives Using human tissues obtained with the collaboration of our local organ transplantation program, the histology, cell types, and three-dimensional organization of the excurrent duct were investigated. Microarrays were performed to determine the gene expression pattern along the human Epididymis. Materials and methods The histology of longitudinal sections of the proximal Epididymis was described, and immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies was used to characterize cell types of the efferent duct and caput Epididymis epithelia. The Epididymis was divided into eight segments permitting gene profiling by microarray and gene ontology analysis. Results The proximal region of the human Epididymis is formed exclusively by efferent ducts. These ducts form a complex histological structure particularly at the junction of the efferent ducts and caput Epididymis. The efferent ducts exhibit a specific cellular signature when compared with the adjacent Epididymis tubule. Efferent duct gene expression is not segmented and is dedicated to cilium differentiation and movement. The gene expression pattern of the caput segment is homogeneous and specialized in defense and immune responses and fertilization. Discussion In murine species, the Epididymis is segmented into the initial segment, caput, corpus, and cauda regions, whereas in humans, the proximal region is formed by efferent ducts. The caput tubules have their own histological organization with a well-defined gene expression pattern. The distal corpus and cauda Epididymis are distinct by a limited number of differentially expressed genes. Conclusions Knowledge of Epididymis functions and structure obtained using laboratory species should be extrapolated to humans with caution.
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the expression patterns of aquaporin 9 vacuolar h atpase and cytokeratin 5 in the Epididymis of the common vampire bat
2017Co-Authors: Mariana M Castro, Bongki Kim, Eric Hill, Maria Do Carmo Queiroz Fialho, Luciano Carlos Heringer Porcaro Puga, Mariella B Freitas, Sylvie Breton, Mariana MachadonevesAbstract:Desmodus rotundus is a vampire bat species that inhabits Latin America. Some basic aspects of this species’ biology are still unknown, as the histophysiological characteristics of the male reproductive tract. Our study has focused on its Epididymis, which is an important organ for performing a variety of functions, especially the sperm maturation and storage. The aim of this study was to identify principal, narrow, clear, and basal cells using cell-specific markers such as aquaporin 9 (AQP9), vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase), and cytokeratin 5 (KRT5). Principal cells were labeled by AQP9 from initial segment to cauda region in their stereocilia. They were shown with a columnar shape, whereas V-ATPase-rich cells were identified with a goblet-shaped body along the entire Epididymis, including the initial segment, which were named as clear cells. Pencil-shaped V-ATPase-rich cells (narrow cells) were not detected in the initial segment of the bat Epididymis, unlike in the rodent. Basal cells were labeled by KRT5 and were located at the basal portion of the epithelium forming a dense network. However, no basal cells with a luminal-reaching body extension were observed in the bat Epididymis. In summary, epithelial cells were identified by their specific markers in the vampire bat Epididymis. Principal and basal cells were labeled by AQP9 and KRT5, respectively. Narrow cells were not observed in the vampire bat Epididymis, whereas clear cells were identified by V-ATPase labeling along the entire duct in a goblet-shaped body. In addition, no luminal-reaching basal cells were observed in the vampire bat Epididymis.
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regulation of epithelial function differentiation and remodeling in the Epididymis
2016Co-Authors: Sylvie Breton, Ye Chun Ruan, Yoojin Park, Bongki KimAbstract:The Epididymis is a single convoluted tubule lined by a pseudostratified epithelium. Specialized epididymal epithelial cells, the so-called principal, basal, narrow, and clear cells, establish a unique luminal environment for the maturation and storage of spermatozoa. The Epididymis is functionally and structurally divided into several segments and sub-segments that create regionally distinct luminal environments. This organ is immature at birth, and epithelial cells acquire their fully differentiated phenotype during an extended postnatal period, but the factors involved in this complex process remain incompletely characterized. In the adult Epididymis, the establishment of an acidic luminal pH and low bicarbonate concentration in the Epididymis contributes to preventing premature activation of spermatozoa during their maturation and storage. Clear cells are proton-secreting cells throughout the Epididymis, but principal cells have distinct acid/base transport properties, depending on their localization within the Epididymis. Basal cells are located in all epididymal segments, but they have a distinct morphology depending on the segment and species examined. How this structural plasticity of basal cells is regulated is discussed here. Also, the role of luminal factors and androgens in the regulation of epithelial cells is reviewed in relation to their respective localization in the proximal versus distal regions of the Epididymis. Finally, we describe a novel role for CFTR in tubulogenesis and epithelial cell differentiation.
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localization of sodium bicarbonate cotransporter nbc protein and messenger ribonucleic acid in rat Epididymis
1999Co-Authors: Lars Juhl Jensen, Dennis Brown, Bernhard M Schmitt, Urs V Berger, Ndona N Nsumu, Walter F Boron, Matthias A Hediger, Sylvie BretonAbstract:An acidic environment is important for sperm maturation in the Epididymis and also helps to maintain mature sperm in an immotile state during storage in this organ. Both an Na + /H + exchanger and an H + ATPase have been implicated in this process. The H + ATPase is concentrated in specialized apical (and/ or narrow) and clear cells of the Epididymis, while the Na + /H + exchanger has not yet been localized in situ. As in other proton-secreting epithelia, bicarbonate transport occurs in the Epididymis, where it is implicated in luminal acidification. In this study we used an antibody raised against a fusion protein (maltose-binding protein: MBP-NBC-5) from the C-terminus of the recently cloned rat kidney Na + /HCO 3 cotransporter (NBC) to localize this protein in the Epididymis and vas deferens of the rat. The distribution of the respective mRNA was mapped by in situ hybridization. NBC message was strongly expressed in the initial segment and the intermediate zone of the Epididymis, and the NBC-5 antibody gave a strong basolateral staining in both principal cells and apical/narrow cells in this region. Western blotting revealed a single band at about 160 kDa in the Epididymis. The intensity of staining as well as mRNA levels decreased in the cauda epididymidis and in the vas deferens, where only weak staining was seen. Basolateral NBC may function in parallel with apical proton secretion to regulate luminal acidification and/or bicarbonate reabsorption in the excurrent duct system.
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acidification of the male reproductive tract by a proton pumping h atpase
1996Co-Authors: Sylvie Breton, Peter K Smith, Dennis BrownAbstract:An acidic luminal pH (ref. 1–3) is involved in sperm maturation, and in maintaining sperm in an immotile state in the Epididymis and vas deferens2,4–6. Neutralization by prostatic fluid is one of a complex series of events that triggers sperm motility2,7,8. Failure of the acidification mechanism might, therefore, result in poor sperm maturation, premature motility and infertility. We have shown that a vacuolar (H+)–ATPase is expressed at high levels on the luminal plasma membrane of specialized cells in the Epididymis9, which closely resemble acid–secreting kidney intercalated cells10,11. We now show that similar cells are also present in the vas deferens, and that a bafilomycin–sensitive proton flux can be detected using a noninvasive proton–selective vibrating probe. Up to 80% of the net proton secretion in the vas deferens is inhibited by bafilomycin, consistent with a major role of a vacuolar–type (H+)–ATPase in this process. This acidification mechanism is a potential target for novel strategies aimed at modulating the acidification capacity of parts of the male reproductive tract and, therefore, in regulating male fertility.
Zhengrong Yuan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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seasonal expressions of androgen receptor estrogen receptors 5α reductases and p450arom in the Epididymis of the male muskrat ondatra zibethicus
2019Co-Authors: Wenyang Yu, Haolin Zhang, Zhengrong Yuan, Haotong Zhuang, Qiang WengAbstract:Abstract The steroid hormones not only exert various endocrine functions but also act as the autocrine or paracrine factors in different tissues of mammals. In the present study, the seasonal expressions of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ), aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) and 5α-reductase 1, 2 were investigated in the Epididymis of the muskrat. HE staining showed enlarged lumen and abundant sperm in the breeding season while reduced lumen with no sperm in the non-breeding season. The staining of AR was presented in nuclei of epithelial cells of the Epididymis in both seasons. The immunostaining of ERα was localized in both nuclei and cytoplasm of epithelial cells of the Epididymis during the breeding season, while the weak staining of ERα was only in the nuclei of epithelial cells during the non-breeding season. In contrast, ERβ signal was negative in the Epididymis of the muskrat in both seasons. The positive signals for P450arom and 5α-reductase 1, 2 were found in the cytoplasm of epithelial and smooth muscle cells during both seasons. Moreover, the protein and mRNA expression levels of AR, ERα, P450arom and 5α-reductase 1, 2 were significantly higher in the Epididymis during the breeding season than those of the non-breeding season, and the expression level of 5α-reductase 1 was higher when compared with 5α-reductase 2. In addition, the levels of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the Epididymis and serum were remarkably higher during the breeding season. Taken together, these findings suggested androgen and estrogen might play an important endocrine or autocrine/paracrine role to regulate the epididymal functions of the muskrat.
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seasonal expressions of oxytocin and oxytocin receptor in Epididymis of the male muskrat ondatra zibethicus
2019Co-Authors: Y Xiao, Haolin Zhang, Zhengrong Yuan, Qiang WengAbstract:Abstract Oxytocin (OT) is presented in the male reproductive tract and has various physiological functions, such as stimulating contraction of the reproductive tract and aiding sperm transport. In this study we investigated seasonal expressions of OT and oxytocin receptor (OTR) in the Epididymis of the muskrat during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Morphologically, the weight and length of Epididymis in the breeding season were significantly higher than those in the non-breeding season. In the breeding season, the lumen diameter and epithelial thickness of Epididymis increased significantly, and there were a large number of sperms in the lumen. However, in the non-breeding season, the diameter of the lumen became significantly narrower, the epithelial height became thinner, and there was no sperm in the lumen. Immunohistochemical results showed that OT and OTR were presented in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells and smooth muscle cells within the Epididymis, and the immunostainings of OT and OTR in the breeding season were significantly stronger compared with the non-breeding. In consistent with the immunohistochemical results, the mRNA levels of OT and OTR were higher in the whole Epididymis during the breeding season than those in the non-breeding season. In addition, the concentrations of OT in the Epididymis and sera were both significantly higher in the breeding season when compared to the non-breeding season. These results suggested that the Epididymis of the muskrat was the direct target organ of OT, and OT might play a regulatory role in the epididymal function via endocrine or autocrine/paracrine manners.
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seasonal expressions of androgen receptor p450arom and estrogen receptors in the Epididymis of the wild ground squirrel citellus dauricus brandt
2019Co-Authors: Junjie Wang, Qian Liu, Yi Wang, Qiong Gao, Fuli Gao, Haolin Zhang, Yingying Han, Zhengrong Yuan, Qiang WengAbstract:The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal expressions of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ) and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) in the Epididymis of the wild ground squirrel. Histologically, the Epididymis was with larger duct diameter and cell population during the breeding season. AR was presented in the peritubular smooth muscle cells and epithelial cells in the whole Epididymis with stronger staining in the breeding period. P450arom was intensely localized in epithelial cells and spermatozoa during the breeding season, absent in the non-breeding season and moderately stained in pre-hibernation. During the breeding season, ERα was intensely expressed in epithelial cytoplasm and/or nucleus, whereas in the non-breeding season and pre-hibernation, weaker staining signal was found in nucleus of epithelial cells. ERβ was absent in the entire annual cycle by immunohistochemical and Real-time PCR detection. The mRNA levels of AR, P450arom and ERα were higher in the Epididymis of the breeding season when compared to those of the non-breeding season and pre-hibernation. Taken together, these results suggest that Epididymis of the wild ground squirrel is a primary target for androgen and estrogen, and the expression of P450arom represents that Epididymis may be a potential source of estrogen.