Immunolocalization of androgen receptors in testicular cells of prepubertal and pubertal pigs
Kotula, M.; Tuz, R.; Fr czek, B.; Wojtusiak, A.; Bilińska, B.
Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 38(4): 157-162
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0239-8508 PMID: 11185719 Document Number: 522876
In the testis, androgen receptors are known to mediate autocrine and paracrine effects of androgens on Leydig cell function and spermatogenesis. The pig presents some unusual features with regard to the synthesis of testosterone and estrogens in the male gonads. In testes from prepubertal males, testosterone level was lower than in testes from adult boars, while estrogen secretion was relatively high and comparable to that of mature porcine gonad. Immunolocalization of androgen receptors and intensity of immunohistochemical staining was age-dependent. In testis sections from adult boars, androgen receptors were found in nuclei of all somatic cells such as Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and peritubular-myoid cells, whereas in sections from immature pigs only in the Leydig cell cytoplasm showed positive immunoreaction for androgen receptors. In control tissue sections incubated with omission of the primary antibody, no positive staining was observed. Detection of the androgen receptors in testicular cells of the pig is important for understanding of their central role in mediating androgen action.