Effect of testosterone deprivation on expression of the androgen receptor in rat prostate, epididymis and testis

Delineating the regulation of estrogen and androgen receptor expression by sex steroids during rat spermatogenesis

Estrogen receptors (ERα and β) and androgen receptor (AR) regulate various critical processes during spermatogenesis. Since spermatogenesis is very sensitive to hormonal stimuli and perturbations, it is important to understand the regulation of expression of these receptors by sex steroid hormones. Although many studies have reported deregulation of steroid receptors on endocrine disruption, there is no consensus on the regulation of their expression by steroid hormones during spermatogenesis, and a lack of clear understanding of the mechanism of regulation. Here, we evaluated the receptor expressions in a well-established exogenous estradiol administration model. We then investigated the mechanisms by which the individual receptors regulate their expression by binding to the respective hormone response elements upstream of these receptor genes. By further employing in vitro and in vivo models of ER and AR stimulation or antagonism, we delineated their regulation in a receptor subtype-specific manner. Our results indicate that ERα positively regulates expression of both the ERs; whereas, ERβ and AR negatively regulate expression of both ERβ and AR by direct binding to upstream regulatory regions. The perturbations in the levels of steroid receptors could be an important factor contributing to spermatogenic defects and male sub-fertility after estradiol and ER agonist treatment. Our study delineates the direct contribution of the individual steroid receptors in the regulation of their own expression.

Nestin in the epididymis is expressed in vascular wall cells and is regulated during postnatal development and in case of testosterone deficiency

Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), distinguished by the expression of the neuronal stem cell marker nestin, may represent stem cell-like progenitor cells in various organs including the testis. We investigated epididymal tissues of adult nestin-GFP mice, rats after Leydig cell depletion via ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS), rats and mice during postnatal development and human tissues. By use of Clarity, a histochemical method to illustrate a three-dimensional picture, we could demonstrate nestin-GFP positive cells within the vascular network. We localized nestin in the epididymis in proliferating vascular SMCs by colocalization with both smooth muscle actin and PCNA, and it was distinct from CD31-positive endothelial cells. The same nestin localization was found in the human epididymis. However, nestin was not found in SMCs of the epididymal duct. Nestin expression is high during postnatal development of mouse and rat and down-regulated towards adulthood when testosterone levels increase. Nestin increases dramatically in rats after Leydig cell ablation with EDS and subsequently low testosterone levels. Interestingly, during this period, the expression of androgen receptor in the epididymis is low and increases until nestin reaches normal levels of adulthood. Here we show that nestin, a common marker for neuronal stem cells, is also expressed in the vasculature of the epididymis. Our results give new insights into the yet underestimated role of proliferating nestin-expressing vascular SMCs during postnatal development and repair of the epididymis.

Tissue control of androgen action: The ups and downs of androgen receptor expression

The hormone testosterone plays crucial roles during male development and puberty and throughout life, as an anabolic regulator of muscle and bone structure and function. The actions of testosterone are mediated, primarily, through the androgen receptor, a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. The androgen receptor gene is located on the X-chromosome and receptor levels are tightly controlled both at the level of transcription of the gene and post-translationally at the protein level. Sp1 has emerged as the major driver of expression of the androgen receptor gene, while auto-regulation by androgens is associated with both positive and negative regulation in a possible cell-selective manner. Research into the networks of positive and negative regulators of the androgen receptor gene are vital in order to understand the temporal and spatial control of receptor levels and the consequences for healthy aging and disease. A clear understanding of the multiple transcription factors participating in regulation of the androgen receptor gene will likely aid in the development and application of hormone therapies to boast or curb receptor activity.

Lack of anti-androgenic effects of equol on reproductive neuroendocrine function in the adult male rat

Equol (EQ), a metabolite of the soy isoflavone daidzein, has well known estrogenic properties. Data from animal studies suggested that EQ may act also as an anti-androgen. However, data regarding how EQ may affect brain functions like the regulation of neuroendocrine activity and reproductive outcomes in adult male rats are still lacking. We therefore investigated the effects of EQ on sex-steroid regulated gene expression in the brain [medial preoptic area/anterior hypothalamus (MPOA/AH) and medial basal hypothalamus/median eminence (MBH/ME)], pituitary, and prostate as a reference androgen-dependent organ. Furthermore reproductive outcomes were evaluated. The anti-androgen flutamide (FLUT) served as reference compound. Male rats (n=12 per group) were treated by gavage for 5 days with either EQ (100 or 250 mg/kgBW/day), or FLUT 100 mg/kgBW/day. All vehicle- and EQ-treated males showed successful reproductive outcomes, whereas FLUT-exposed males had severe reproductive impairments resulted in infertility. FLUT decreased relative weights of prostate, seminal vesicles and epididymides, and increased serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone without altering prolactin levels, whereas EQ exerted opposite effects. Both EQ and FLUT decreased gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) expression in the MPOA/AH. Only FLUT upregulated levels of GnRH receptor expression both in the MBH/ME and pituitary. While EQ downregulated the hypothalamic ERα and ERβ expressions, but FLUT did not. In the prostate, only FLUT upregulated both ERα and AR mRNA expression levels. Taken together, our findings are the first data that EQ did not induce anti-androgenic effects on brain, prostate and male reproductive parameters, however, estrogenic neuroendocrine and reproductive effects of EQ were observed.

Arecoline augments cellular proliferation in the prostate gland of male Wistar rats

Areca nut chewing is the fourth most popular habit in the world due to its effects as a mild stimulant, causing a feeling of euphoria and slightly heightened alertness. Areca nuts contain several alkaloids and tannins, of which arecoline is the most abundant and known to have several adverse effects in humans, specially an increased risk of oral cancer. On evaluating the effects of arecoline on the male endocrine physiology in Wistar rats, it was found that arecoline treatment led to an overall enlargement and increase in the wet weight of the prostate gland, and a two-fold increase in serum gonadotropin and testosterone levels. Since the prostate is a major target for testosterone, the consequences of arecoline consumption were studied specifically in the prostate gland. Arecoline treatment led to an increase in the number of rough endoplasmic reticulum and reduction of secretory vesicles, signifying a hyperactive state of the prostate. Increased expression of androgen receptors in response to arecoline allowed for enhanced effect of testosterone in the prostate of treated animals, which augmented cell proliferation, subsequently confirmed by an increase in the expression of Ki-67 protein. Cellular proliferation was also the outcome of concomitant over expression of the G(1)-to-S cell cycle regulatory proteins, cyclin D1 and CDK4, both at the transcriptional and translational levels. Taken together, the findings provide the first evidence that regular use of arecoline may lead to prostatic hyperplasia and hypertrophy, and eventually to disorders associated with prostate enlargement.

Morphological and functional alterations in adult boar epididymis: Effects of prenatal and postnatal administration of flutamide

Background

The dynamic cross-talk between epididymal cells is hormonally regulated and, in part, through direct cell-to-cell interactions. To date, no information is available regarding possible impact of anti-androgens on the proteins involved in the gap junctional communication within the boar epididymis. Thus, a question arised whether prenatal or postnatal exposure to an anti-androgen flutamide alters the expression of gap junction protein - connexin43 (Cx43) and androgen receptor (AR) expression in the caput, corpus and cauda epididymis and leads to delayed effects on morphology and function of adult pig epididymis.

Methods

First two experimental groups received flutamide prenatally on gestational days 20-28 and 80-88 (GD20 and GD80) and further two groups were exposed to flutamide postanatally on days 2-10 and 90-98 after birth (PD2 and PD90). Epididymides were collected from adult boars. Routine histology was performed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expression of Cx43 and AR were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Both analyses were supported by quantitative approaches to demonstrate the variations of the expression levels following the treatment. Apoptotic cells were identified using TUNEL assay.

Results

Histological examination revealed differences in epididymal morphology of flutamide-exposed boars when compared to controls. Scarce spermatic content were seen within the corpus and cauda lumina of GD20, PD2 and PD90 groups. Concomitantly, frequency of epididymal cell apoptosis was significantly higher (p < 0.05) after exposure to flutamide at GD20. Moreover, in GD20, PD2, and PD90 groups, significantly lower AR expression (p < 0.05) was found in the principal and basal cells of the corpus and cauda regions, while in the stromal cells AR expression was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) along the epididymal duct. Concomitantly, a decrease in Cx43 expression (p < 0.05) was noticed in the stromal cells of the cauda region of GD20 and PD2 groups. This indicates high sensitivity of the stromal cells to androgen withdrawal.

Conclusions

The region-specific alterations in the epididymis morphology and scarce spermatic content within the lumina of the corpus and cauda indicate that flutamide can induce delayed effects on the epididymal function of the adult boar by decrease in AR protein levels that results in altered androgen signaling. This may cause disturbances in androgen-dependent processes including Cx43 (de)regulation, however, we can not exclude the possibility that in response to flutamide decreased Cx43 expression may represent one mechanism responsible for functional disturbance of the boar epididymis.

Role of ghrelin on testosterone secretion and the mRNA expression of androgen receptors in adult rat testis

The present study was designed to determine the effects of ghrelin on in vivo and in vitro secretion of testosterone (T) and the expression of androgen receptor (AR) mRNA in the adult rat testis. The distribution of growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHS-R(1a)) in the testis was also investigated. GHS-R(1a) immunoreactivity presented mainly in Sertoli and Leydig cells, primary spermatocytes, and secondary spermatocytes. Adult rats that were intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) administrated different dosages (1 nmol and 3 nmol) of ghrelin could significantly inhibit the secretion of T. The experession of AR mRNA in the testis was also notably reduced with 3 nmol ghrelin. Additionaly, in vitro exposure of the Leydig cells to increasing concentrations of ghrelin resulted in no obvious changes of T secretion in the culture media and AR mRNA expression of Leydig cells. Overall, our data demonstrate that the i.c.v. injection of ghrelin plays a physiological role in T secretion and AR mRNA expression in the testis, further confirming the reproductive role of ghrelin.

Androgens and the male reproductive tract: an overview of classical roles and current perspectives

Androgens are steroid hormones that play key roles in the development and maintenance of male phenotype and reproductive function. These hormones also affect the function of several non-reproductive organs, such as bone and skeletal muscle. Endogenous androgens exert most of their effects by genomic mechanisms, which involve hormone binding to the androgen receptor (AR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, resulting in the modulation of gene expression. AR-induced non-genomic mechanisms have also been reported. A large number of steroidal and non-steroidal AR-ligands have been developed for therapeutic use, including the treatment of male hypogonadism (AR agonists) and prostate diseases (AR antagonists), among other pathological conditions. Here, the AR gene and protein structure, mechanism of action and AR gene homologous regulation were reviewed. The AR expression pattern, its in vivo regulation and physiological relevance in the developing and adult testis and epididymis, which are sites of sperm production and maturation, respectively, were also presented.

Alteration of testicular steroidogenesis and histopathology of reproductive system in male rats treated with triclosan

Triclosan (TCS), a chlorophenol, is widely used as a preservative in different types of commercial preparations. The reports on TCS-mediated endocrine disruption are controversial and the present study aimed to elucidate the probable mode of action of TCS as an antiandrogenic compound using a robust study design. Male albino rats, Rattus norvegicus, were treated with three doses of triclosan for a period of 60 days followed by the analysis of various biochemical parameters. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in mRNA levels for testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein, cytochrome P450(SCC), cytochrome P450(C17), 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD), 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) and androgen receptor (AR) in TCS treated rats (p<0.05). TCS also induced a perturbed translation of testicular StAR, and AR proteins as shown by Western blot analysis in treated groups of rats. A reduced level of StAR was further indicated by immunohistochemistry in testicular Leydig cells. Further, there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the level of serum lutenizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), cholesterol, pregnenolone, and testosterone. In vitro assays demonstrated more than 30% decrease in testicular 3beta-HSD and 17beta-HSD enzyme activities in treated group of animals. Extensive histopathological malformations were observed in the testis and sex accessory tissues of the treated rats. Overall this study showed that TCS decreased the synthesis of androgens followed by reduced sperm production in treated male rats which could be mediated by a decreased synthesis of LH and FSH thus involving hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis.

Immunolocalization of androgen receptor in the boar epididymis: the effect of GnRH agonist deslorelin

Epididymides from nine crossbred male pigs [Polish Landrace x (Duroc x Pietrain)] (n = 3 per each group) were used in this study to show whether there are any differences between androgen receptor (AR) distribution along epididymal duct of a GnRH agonist deslorelin-treated boars when compared to the control tissues. The active agent was administered by way of a subcutaneous controlled-release implant containing 4.7 mg deslorelin at 91 or 147 days of age respectively. Boars from two experimental groups and the control group were slaughtered at 175 day of age. Immunolocalization was performed using a polyclonal rabbit antiserum against the AR. In control boars, strong staining for AR was detected in nuclei of the epithelial (principal and basal) and stromal cells, whereas in boars treated with deslorelin the staining was confined to the principal cell nuclei. In those treated for 84 days, AR-immunostaining was weak or the principal cells were negative for the AR. Irrespective of the time from deslorelin insertion all stromal cells were immunonegative. The results demonstrate for the first time the effect of deslorelin on the distribution of the AR in the three regions of the boar epididymis. It is likely that stromal cells are more sensitive than epithelial cells to the regulation of AR expression by androgen. The morphological and functional alterations along the epididymal duct and lack of spermatozoa within the lumen after deslorelin treatment indicate that a potent GnRH agonist is likely responsible for an impairment of the microenvironment created by epididymal cells for sperm maturation and their storage.

Gene expression changes in rat prostate after activation or blocking of the androgen and estrogen receptor

Several endpoints of different molecular complexity were studied in the Hershberger assay in order to evaluate the specificity and suitability of this test as a broad screening model. Androgen and estrogen receptors were activated or blocked, and expression of typical estrogen- or androgen responsive genes (complement C3, ERalpha, ERbeta, AR, TRPM-2, PBP C3, ODC, and IGF-1 mRNA) was analyzed in rat ventral prostate by real time RT-PCR. Administration of estradiol benzoate (EB) to castrated testosterone-treated rats had no effect on reproductive organ weights or gene expression levels and the anti-estrogen, ICI 182780, only affected ODC expression. Therefore, estrogenic or anti-estrogenic compounds would not be expected to seriously affect the outcome of a Hershberger test. However, EB given alone to castrated rats resulted in various effects. EB increased seminal vesicle weight, an effect reversed by ICI 182780, and affected TRPM-2, PBP C3, ODC, IGF-1, AR, and ERalpha mRNA levels. AR expression in the prostate seemed to be under regulation of both estrogens and androgens, as ICI 182780 inhibited the testosterone-induced AR expression, and flutamide inhibited the EB-induced AR expression. These data indicate that estrogens have various effects in castrated male rats and that expression of several genes is under multi-hormonal control in the ventral prostate. However, interactions between estrogens and androgens do not play a major role in the Hershberger assay, as simultaneous TP administration abolished the effects of EB. First choice of gene expression profiles in the Hershberger assay to study androgenic or anti-androgenic effects would be the traditional, TRPM-2 and PBP C3, supplemented with the new complement C3.

Clinical Laboratory Evaluation of Male Subfertility

Male subfertility is a common problem with a complex etiology, requiring a complete andrological work-up for proper diagnosis. The male reproductive tract is controlled by a well-balanced hormonal system, in which hypothalamic (GnRH), pituitary (LH, FSH) and testicular hormones (androgens, inhibin B) participate. Any disturbance of this hormonal system may therefore lead to testicular dysfunction and interfere with the spermatogenesis process. In addition, also other components along the ductal system, such as epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicles, that improve sperm fertility by contributing their secretions to the semen, might function inadequately and thus fail to enhance the fertilizing capacity of the sperm cells. External factors (heat, chemicals, life style) and anatomical abnormalities (varicocele) were shown to have a negative influence on male fertility. In a number of patients genetic defects can be identified as the cause of their infertility. Laboratory tests are available to assess hormone concentrations, semen composition, accessory gland function and sperm cell function. Conventional semen analysis includes the determination of sperm concentration, semen volume, sperm motility (qualitative and quantitative), sperm morphology, sperm cell vitality, pH, leucocytes and antibodies. The usefulness of the determination of these parameters as predictor of fertility appears to be rather limited, however. Therefore, alternative tests, some based on more functional aspects (sperm penetration, capacitation, acrosome reaction), have been developed. Furthermore, there is an increasing attention for the assessment of DNA integrity, for instance by the flowcytometer-based Sperm Chromation Structure Assay (SCSA), as an additional or alternative parameter of sperm quality. It is likely and desirable that further assays with better predictive value are being developed in the near future.

Intratesticular Androgen Levels, Androgen Receptor Localization, and Androgen Receptor Expression in Adult Rat Sertoli Cells1

In the rat, quantitatively normal spermatogenesis is maintained only when intratesticular testosterone (ITT) levels greatly exceed the peripheral T concentration. When ITT concentrations fall below a threshold, germ cells are lost at specific stages of the seminiferous cycle. Germ cells can be restored by high doses of T that binds to androgen receptors (AR) in Sertoli cells. However, the relationships between germ cell dynamics, AR-mediated molecular events, and ITT concentrations are not established. ITT levels may regulate germ cell life and death through an effect on AR localization and AR mRNA or protein levels within Sertoli cells at specific stages of the cycle. We determined AR localization and mRNA and protein expression in adult rat Sertoli cells in relation to reduced and then restored ITT concentrations in vivo. ITT levels were reduced by implanting rats with T- and estradiol (E)-filled capsules for 7-28 days and subsequently restored with large T-filled capsules. AR is normally localized within Sertoli cell nuclei at stages VII-VIII of the seminiferous epithelium. After T/E treatment, AR immunostaining in Sertoli cell nuclei became nondetectable by 14-28 days but was restored 6 h following T restoration. The loss of Sertoli cell nuclear AR localization correlated with increasing numbers of apoptotic germ cells. AR mRNA levels in isolated Sertoli cells did not change through 14 days of T/E treatment, increased significantly by Day 28, and remained elevated 24 h after T restoration. AR mRNA levels in microdissected tubules at stages II-IV, VI-VIII, and IX-XII did not decrease through 14 days of T/E treatment. In contrast, AR protein levels were reduced in seminiferous tubules by Day 14 and in testes at Day 28 post-T/E treatment but were restored within 24 h by T repletion. Therefore, the reduction of ITT concentration results in a time-dependent redistribution of AR and reduced AR protein but not AR mRNA levels in Sertoli cells. Repletion of T restored AR protein and it relocated to Sertoli cell nuclei. By an unknown mechanism, T regulates AR localization within Sertoli cells to determine germ cell life or death.

Alterations of Gene Expression in Adult Male Rat Testis and Pituitary Shortly After Subacute Administration of the Antiandrogen Flutamide

In the course of profiling alterations of gene expression in the male reproductive system induced by anti-androgenic agents, 28 genes expressed in the testis or pituitary of adult rats were examined shortly after subacute administration of the well-known anti-androgen, flutamide (FM). FM (25 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to male rats for six days. On day 8 (D8) after the first dose of FM, intratesticular testosterone (T) levels had dramatically increased, but daily sperm production on D36 was significantly decreased. The mRNA levels of testicular and pituitary genes on D8 were measured by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Among the six testicular steroidogenic enzyme genes, the mRNAs of the P450 side chain cleavage, P450 17 alpha/C(17-20) lyase, and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I (3betaHSD) genes significantly increased, whereas 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type III slightly decreased. Among the three steroid receptors examined, androgen receptor (AR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNAs were significantly down-regulated (29% and 35%, respectively) in the testis, but there was no change in estrogen receptor alpha. There were no clear changes in expression of the gonadotropin receptors and Sertoli cell specific genes, but a slight increase was observed in expression of the lactose dehydrogenase-c mRNA, a germ cell specific gene. Among the three immediate early genes, c-myc mRNA was increased approximately 1.4-fold. In the pituitary, on the other hand, mRNAs for LHbeta and FSHbeta subunits and gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor had increased significantly. These results show that subacute FM administration first affected hypothalamus/pituitary hormone gene expression, then altered gonadotropin secretion, and subsequently induced over-expression of testicular steroidogenic enzyme genes. However, the significant up-regulation of 3betaHSD and down-regulation of AR mRNAs, despite the higher level of intratesticular T, might be explained by an antagonistic action of hydroxyflutamide retained in the testis. The profiles of alterations in gene expression observed will provide important information for the screening of adult male animals for anti-androgenic chemicals.

Oestrogenic and antiandrogenic chemicals in the environment: effects on male reproductive health

Exposures of human populations to pesticides and industrial pollutants, and to synthetic chemicals present in foods, beverages, and plastics, have raised concern that these substances can interfere with endogenous sex hormone function. Interference with sex hormone action can, in turn, result in a variety of developmental and reproductive anomalies. Compounds in this class are thus referred to as endocrine disruptors (EDs). EDs that affect reproductive processes in vertebrates act primarily by altering oestrogenic and antiandrogenic activities. The recent cloning of a second oestrogen receptor (ER) subtype (ERbeta) and its widespread tissue distribution pattern indicates that the first ER to be cloned, ERalpha, may not be the only, or even the primary, mediator of oestrogen action. It is anticipated that this discovery will lead to development of antagonist compounds specific to either ER subtype, and help to determine the function of each receptor subtype in reproductive and other tissues. Growing evidence suggests that EDs interfere with reproductive function at low exposure levels and cause distinct effects at different concentrations within the same organ. Developing organisms have increased susceptibility to the actions of EDs because differentiating tissues are more vulnerable to changes in hormonal milieu. Thus, children are at greater risk of toxicant-related illnesses than adults. However, most data are collected from laboratory studies, and it remains to be determined that the levels of chemicals in the environment can impair human reproductive health. There is also significant genetic variability between human and animal species in their reactions to chemicals. The effects of low-dose, chronic, and multiple chemical exposures warrant further investigation in order to characterize the risk of environmental agents to humans. The aims of this review, which will focus on male reproduction, are to: 1) identify synthetic chemicals in the environment that fall into the ED class; 2) describe their mechanisms of toxicity in reproductive tissues; and, 3) outline the direction of future research efforts with respect to EDs.

Modulation of gene expression by androgen and oestrogens in the testis and prostate of the adult rat following androgen withdrawal

Androgens are important for the structural and functional integrity of the testis and the prostate and this may in part be mediated by the aromatisation of testosterone to oestradiol. The aim of the present study was to establish an in vivo model that would allow the identification of genes, the expression of which was regulated acutely by androgen and/or oestrogen in the male reproductive system. In rats in which the Leydig cells were ablated by administration of ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS) 6 days earlier, testosterone esters (T) were administered from day 0 (To), and additional animals were administered either T, 17beta-oestradiol benzoate (EB) or diethylstilbestrol (DES) for 1 or 4 h on day 6 after EDS-treatment. Nuclear immunoexpression of the androgen receptor (AR) was reduced or absent from the testis but unaffected in the ventral prostate following these treatments. ERbeta immunoexpression in these tissues was unchanged. Northern blot analysis showed that EB and DES as well as T administration 4 h earlier could modulate mRNA expression of two androgen-responsive genes, C3 and SGP-2, in the prostate. The co-administration of T or EB with the AR antagonist, flutamide, or with the ER antagonist, ICI 182,780 (ICI), did not block the suppression of SGP-2 mRNA expression by T or EB. In contrast, the upregulation of C3 mRNA expression by T was successfully antagonised by both flutamide and by ICI. A preliminary evaluation of the expression of three Sertoli cell and five germ cell mRNAs revealed that their expression was not steroid regulated. Our results support the hypothesis that the action of testosterone in the male reproductive system may in part be mediated by its conversion to oestradiol. This in vivo model should prove of value in future studies to identify androgen and oestrogen regulated genes in the male reproductive system.

Regional expression and androgen regulation of carbonic anhydrase IV and II in the adult rat epididymis

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is implicated in the acidification of epididymal fluid and thereby in the regulation of sperm maturation and motility. Among the CA isoenzymes, CA IV and II have been shown to be present in the rat epididymal duct epithelium. In the present study, we examined the expression and androgen regulation of CA IV and II mRNAs along the epididymal duct. Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of CA II mRNA in all regions of the epididymis with the strongest signal in the corpus region, while CA IV mRNA was expressed predominantly in the corpus epididymidis. Three days after bilateral castration, CA IV and II mRNAs were decreased by 80-90% in the corpus epididymidis. Testosterone (T) replacement maintained the expression of CA mRNAs at 50-60% of the control levels, indicating that circulating androgens alone are not sufficient to recover the CA expression in the corpus region. However, unilateral castration did not affect the mRNA levels of CA IV and II, suggesting that factors in testicular fluid do not play a major role in the regulation of CA expression in the corpus epididymidis. Immunoblot analysis showed that CA IV protein levels decreased 3 days after castration, while T administration maintained the protein expression virtually at the precastration levels. These data demonstrate that mRNAs for CA IV and II are predominantly expressed in the corpus region of the rat epididymis and can be regulated by androgens in that region. The present data suggest that the regulation of CA expression in the corpus epididymidis by androgens contributes to the known androgen effects on epididymal acidification.

Autoregulation of the androgen receptor at the translational level: testosterone induces accumulation of androgen receptor mRNA in the rat ventral prostate polyribosomes

Several studies have documented that androgens have the ability to autoregulate their own receptor levels; however, the mechanism of such autoregulation remains poorly understood. Along these lines, our laboratory has shown that testosterone increased androgen receptor (AR) protein levels and binding in the castrated rat ventral prostate within 1 h. Ongoing protein synthesis was required for the testosterone effect, as the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide blocked this effect. Testosterone and/or actinomycin D, an mRNA synthesis inhibitor, did not affect the steady-state AR mRNA levels. Therefore, we suggest that the early events induced by testosterone are posttranscriptional and that protein synthesis is required for the maintenance of AR protein and AR mRNA levels. In addition, we hypothesize that the testosterone posttranscriptional effect is primarily through the sequestering of AR mRNA in the prostate polyribosomes. To test this hypothesis, total RNA was isolated from prostate polyribosomes of controls and testosterone-treated rats and AR mRNA levels were quantitated by competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Polyribosomes profiles on linear sucrose gradients showed no difference in the sedimentation characteristics of ribosomal particles from the vehicle-treated control or testosterone-treated animals. Furthermore, because both polyribosomal preparations can direct protein synthesis to the same extent in a cell-free system, testosterone does not increase the efficiency of translation. However, competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed that testosterone increases AR mRNA associated with polyribosomes by threefold after 1 h of treatment compared with control. These data suggest a rapid testosterone-mediated posttranscriptional mechanism, in which testosterone regulates the stability of the AR mRNA by sequestering it in polyribosomes, and consequently increasing its translation.

'Paracrine' control of spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is a remarkably complex but precise process yielding highly differentiated haploid germ cells from diploid stem cells. Although many factors have been implicated in the paracrine control of spermatogenesis, functional proof is only available for a few regulators. Among those are androgens, growth factors and stem cell factor. Cell- and organ-specific genetargeting will provide important insights into the relevance of local factors controlling male gametogenesis. As testicular communication frequently occurs between rather remote cells and compartments, it is proposed that the term 'local' rather than 'paracrine' mediators/factors should be used, since the latter term refers to communication amongst neighbouring cells (and mainly via diffusion).

Ontogeny and autoregulation of androgen receptor mRNA expression in the nervous system

Androgens and the androgen receptor (AR) both play critical roles for the development of the male phenotype. To investigate the roles of androgens in the developing nervous system, we examined the AR messenger RNA distribution by in situ hybridization. Our results indicate that AR transcripts were detectable in male mouse embryos at embryonic day 11 (E1111). Intensive AR labeling appears in the neuroepithelium of brain vesicles and spinal cord, as well as in the reproductive organs. During E1 5-E16, new and strong AR labeling appeared in the cortex of cerebrum and hippocampus. Specific AR signals were also present in the brain areas known for hormonal control of copulatory behavior and mediating sensory processing. Interestingly, many ganglia were found to express AR mRNA at E15-E16. These novel AR-expressing sites include the dorsal root, sympathetic, and celiac ganglia, as well as the ophthalmic nerve of trigeminal ganglion. Sex dimorphism of AR expression in brain was also observed during E15-E16. Postnatally, brain and spinal cord can respond to circulating androgen levels by modifying their AR gene expression, but the ganglia cannot. Together, these data suggest androgens may have a great influence on the development and maintenance of the nervous system through the AR.

Regulation of androgen and estrogen receptors in male excurrent ducts of the goat: an immunohistochemical study

BACKGROUND

Since androgens and/or estrogens must bind with specific receptors in order to elicit a response at the target organ(s), it is important to understand factors that regulate expression of androgen receptors (AR) and estrogen receptors (ER). Hence, the objective of the study is to determine the relative significance between circulating androgen (CA) and luminal androgen (LA) in maintaining normal expression of AR and ER in male excurrent ducts.

METHODS

Mature Nubian goats were subjected for 15 days each to the following treatments: (1) bilateral orchidectomy, (2) bilateral orchidectomy and testosterone treatment, (3) unilateral ligation of the extratesticular rete, and (4) unilateral orchidectomy. Tissues from different segments of the excurrent ducts were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and embedded in Paraplast-plus. Antigenic sites for AR and ER were immunolocalized using PG-21 rabbit antirat/human antibody and H-222 rat antihuman monoclonal antibody, respectively. The avidin-biotin horseradish peroxidase procedure was used to identify positive immunoreactivity. Negative controls included incubation of sections with irrelevant IgG in place of primary antibody.

RESULTS

In intact animals, whereas AR were found in epithelial, connective tissue, and peritubular smooth muscle cells of the efferent ductules, regions I-V of the epididymis, and ductus deferens, ER were confined to nonciliated cells of the efferent ductules. Bilateral orchidectomy caused a severe loss of both AR and ER staining. Testosterone replacement to orchidectomized animals restored staining of both AR and ER to the intact level. Neither unilateral ligation of the extratesticular rete nor unilateral orchidectomy had any effect on AR or ER immunostaining.

CONCLUSION

Circulating androgen alone, without any input from luminal androgen or other rete fluid contents, can regulate expression of both androgen receptor and estrogen receptor.

Estrogen and progesterone receptors and estrogen receptor-related antigen (ER-D5) in human epididymis

Estrogen receptor mRNA expression was detected in the head and tail parts of the human epididymis by means of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Immunocytochemical labelling showed that ciliate and nonciliate cells from the epithelium of the efferent ductules possessed strong to moderate nuclear staining for estrogen and progesterone receptors. The epididymal duct was negative for both antigens. Vascular endothelial cells also showed estrogen receptor, but no progesterone receptor immunolabelling in all regions of the organ. Immunoreactivity for the estrogen receptor-related antigen (ER-D5) was seen in the cytoplasm of ciliated and nonciliated epithelial cells from the efferent ductules, in the basal cells of some epididymal duct profiles as well as in myofibroblasts of the lamina propria, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells of the vessel walls. The results obtained suggest that the epithelial cells of the efferent ductules of the human epididymis may be main target structures of estrogens and progestins.

Autoregulation of androgen receptor in rat ventral prostate: involvement of c-fos as a negative regulator

Recent work from our laboratory has focused on elucidating the mechanism of androgen regulation of the androgen receptor (AR). We have demonstrated that testosterone increases AR protein and binding within 1 h in the ventral prostate of adult rats castrated for 24 h. Cycloheximide administered with testosterone reduces AR and AR mRNA levels. AP-1/c-fos transcription factor has been shown to function as a negative in many systems. c-fos mRNA levels were decreased 1 h after testosterone treatment in the ventral prostate, whereas they were increased in cycloheximide alone or cycloheximide-testosterone treated groups as compared to vehicle control. c-fos protein was also increased in the testosterone-cycloheximide treated group as compared to testosterone alone or cycloheximide alone groups at 1 h. By 3 h, the tissue recovers from the inhibitory effect of cycloheximide as evidenced by restoration of AR and an increase in AR mRNA levels. At this time c-fos protein levels were reduced after treatment with cycloheximide and testosterone and c-fos mRNA levels were comparable to the controls. These results suggest that elevation of c-fos expression is associated with a decrease in AR and mRNA and provide correlative data supporting negative repression by c-fos on androgen receptors levels. Between the age of 25-85 days, serum testosterone levels reached adult levels by the age of 55 days. Steady-state AR mRNA levels increased significantly by the age of 85 days while c-fos mRNA levels remained at low baseline levels at all ages. Thus, in addition to the circulating levels of serum testosterone, other age related factors are also involved in the regulation of AR mRNA levels. Furthermore, androgens appear to maintain androgen receptor levels and androgen sensitivity by continuous suppression of the repressor, c-fos.

Autoregulation of androgen receptor protein and messenger RNA in rat ventral prostate is protein synthesis dependent

In order to investigate the role of protein synthesis in the testosterone regulation of androgen receptor (AR) levels, in vivo studies were undertaken using the ventral prostate gland from adult male rats castrated 24 h previously. Our results showed that testosterone (400 microg/100 g body weight) increased nuclear AR binding 1 h after administration, whereas the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (400 microg/100 g body weight) by itself did not alter AR binding. However, concomitant administration of testosterone and cycloheximide blocked the testosterone-induced nuclear AR accumulation after 1 h. To determine if changes in AR binding reflected changes in AR protein levels, immunocytochemical studies were conducted on individually dissected ventral prostatic ducts. Castration 24 h previously induced a decrease in nuclear AR immunostaining when compared to intact animals. Testosterone treatment restored the nuclear staining, particularly at the distal tips of the prostatic ducts. Cycloheximide alone did not change AR immunostaining when compared to castrated vehicle-treated rats, yet it significantly decreased the nuclear AR staining induced by testosterone. Our results suggest that AR is being newly synthesized during testosterone treatment. To determine if the effect of testosterone in the regulation of the AR protein was ultimately due to changes at the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, steady-state AR mRNA levels were measured. Northern blot analysis of poly A+ mRNA preparations revealed that androgen withdrawal for 24 h increased AR mRNA and that testosterone treatment for 1 h did not alter these increased AR mRNA levels. The inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide did not change AR mRNA, but, when cycloheximide was administered in conjunction with testosterone, AR mRNA levels were significantly decreased. In an attempt to relate these responses to changes in transcriptional activity, the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D was administered in vivo. Whereas simultaneous administration of testosterone and cycloheximide modified AR mRNA and AR protein levels, concomitant administration of testosterone with actinomycin D did not alter these levels. It is therefore unlikely that testosterone modifies the transcription of AR mRNA within 1 h after its administration. Collectively, these results suggest that protein synthesis is involved in the mechanism of testosterone-promoted AR regulation. This protein synthesis-dependent mechanism may be involved in the regulation of the stability and/or the translation of AR mRNA in the prostate.

Sex differences in androgen receptor mRNA levels and regulation in hamster facial motoneurons

We have previously shown that testosterone propionate augments hamster facial nerve regeneration to a greater extent in males than females. Further, sex differences in facial nerve regeneration have been observed. From those studies, we hypothesized that sex differences in nerve regeneration could be due to inherent differences in androgen receptor (AR) mRNA content within facial motor neurons (FMN) of male and female hamsters. In the present study, that hypothesis was tested using in situ hybridization, and computerized image analysis to quantify levels and regulation of AR mRNA in individual FMN of hamsters of both sexes. Intact and gonadectomized (gdx) male and female hamsters were used in the initial experiments in the study. In subsequent experiments, exogenous testosterone propionate (TP) was administered to the aforementioned groups of animals by subcutaneous implantation of one 10-mm Silastic capsule for 1, 2 or 7 days. FMN of intact females contained approximately 50% less AR mRNA than their male counterparts. Gonadectomy in males downregulated AR mRNA levels by approximately 50%, whereas no effects of gonadectomy were observed in females. Thus, in all paradigms where TP levels were low relative to the intact males, AR mRNA levels were approximately half of those in the intact male FMN. TP administration induced AR mRNA levels in gdx males within 1 day. Significant effects of TP were not detected in gdx females, and only after 7 days in the intact females. To our knowledge, the results of this study are the first quantitative demonstration of sex differences in steroid receptor mRNA content in a given neuronal population and substantiate the idea that sex differences in the effects of androgens on peripheral nerve regeneration are based on intrinsic sex differences in the levels and regulation of receptor mRNA in motor neurons.

Isolation of cDNAs that are differentially expressed between androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate carcinoma cells using differential display PCR

In the development of prostate cancer there is an important transition from androgen-dependent growth (which can be treated) to androgen-independent growth (which is beyond medical control). This transition is probably accompanied by genetic changes, resulting in the activation of oncogenes or the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. In the present manuscript, the isolation of genes that may be involved in advanced, androgen-independent prostate cancer growth is described. Using differential display PCR, 13 cDNAs were isolated representing genes that are differentially expressed between the androgen-dependent prostate carcinoma cell line LN-CaP and the androgen-independent prostate carcinoma cell lines PC-3 and DU 145. These clones were divided into four groups: androgen-responsive genes (TL5, TL25, TL32, and TL35); genes with a marked decreased expression in one of the prostate cancer cell lines (TL27); genes with a marked, increased expression in one or more of the prostate cancer cell lines (TL4, TL16, TL21, and TL22); and genes with minor (but repeatable) changes in expression between prostate cancer cell lines (TL7, TL15, TL18, and TL33). The 13 genes were analyzed for their sequence information, tissue specificity, and androgen responsiveness in order to identify genes of interest. In summary, differential display PCR appears to provide an attractive alternative to existing molecular techniques to screen for differentially expressed genes in prostate cancer cells.

Localization and measurement of occupied androgen receptors in thaw-mounted rat and human prostate tissue sections by in vitro autoradiography

In this paper we present an in vitro exchange binding assay procedure for measurement of androgen receptors in slide-mounted tissue sections. This method allows quantitative autoradiographic determinations with an anatomical resolution approaching the cellular level. Tissue sections are incubated with the synthetic androgen [3H]R1881 in the presence of triamcinolone acetonide to suppress possible binding of the radioligand to the progestin receptor. Adjacent tissue sections are incubated with [3H]R1881 in the presence of excess unlabeled 5 alpha- dihydrotestosterone or R1881 to assess nonspecific binding. Following incubation, the tissue sections are washed to remove unbound radioligand and either scraped for immediate determination of androgen receptor binding or placed against emulsion-coated film for the production of an autoradiographic image. In validation experiments with rat prostate sections from castrated, gonad-intact, and androgen-supplemented animals, maximum levels of androgen binding were observed with incubation at 4 degrees C or 72 h. Markedly less binding was detected with shorter incubations or with incubations at even slightly elevated temperatures. Very little androgen receptor binding was detected in castrated animals whereas receptor levels in intact and androgen-supplemented animals were 79.3 fmol/mg and 143.6 fmol/mg protein, respectively, suggesting that the method is selective for occupied receptors. Saturation binding analysis revealed binding to a single class binding site with high affinity (kd = 1.475 +/- 0.12 nM). Autoradiographic images of androgen binding in the prostate reflected the findings with the scraped sections: essentially no specific binding was present in sections from castrated animals whereas much heavier labeling was present in sections from intact animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Gonadotrophin control of testicular germ cell development

Successful and complete male germ cell development is dependent on the balanced, endocrine interplay of the hypothalamus, the pituitary and the testis. The hypothalamus secretes gonadotrophin-releasing hormone in a pulsatile manner which, in turn, elicits the pulsatile release of the gonadotrophins LH and FSH from the pituitary. Luteinizing hormone stimulates spermatogenesis indirectly via testosterone, whereas FSH acts directly on the seminiferous tubules. The synthesis and release of gonadotrophic hormones is under the feedback control of testosterone. Whether other testicular peptides such as inhibin and activin are also involved is not yet clear. Luteinizing hormone/testosterone and FSH are the prime regulators of germ cell development. On their own, these hormones are capable of exerting clear-cut stimulatory effects on the spermatogenic process. However, the quantitative production of spermatozoa generally requires the presence of both LH/testosterone and FSH. Since receptors for androgens and FSH are confined to the somatic cells of the testis, the trophic effects of these hormones on germ cells must be indirect. However, it is not known as yet precisely which genes/factors mediate the beneficial effects of androgens and FSH on spermatogenesis. The gonadotrophic hormones have been found in a number of isoforms and multiple transcripts of the LH and FSH receptor have been detected. Therefore, the possibility must be considered that certain forms of male infertility could be due to dysfunctional hormones and/or mutated receptors.

Role of the epididymis in mediating changes in the male gamete during maturation

This article reviews recent knowledge about events occurring in the epididymis that are important for sperm to fertilise eggs. Well established concepts are stated without references (see Cooper, 1986 for older literature) but recent references are included where they throw light on mechanisms of epididymal function. During their sojourn in the epididymis spermatozoa acquire the capacity to move and to fertilise eggs; they are then stored in a quiescent state prior to ejaculation. The ability of sperm to undergo the events of fertilisation are developed as a result of interactions with certain epididymal secretions. Increases in our knowledge about the genes coding for epididymal secretions has not yet been matched by similar insight into the role that these secretions play in the maturation process. However, information about the changes that occur to the sperm cells during maturation permit certain scenarios to be sketched that may reflect reality. This review is one such attempt to bring the epididymal sperm-epithelial secretion into focus.