Estrogen response system in the reproductive tract of the male turtle: An immunocytochemical study
Daniel H. Gista,*, Suzanne Bradshawb, Carla M.K. Morrowc, Justin D. Congdond and Rex A. Hessc
aDepartment
of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0006,
USA
bDepartment of Biology, Raymond Walters College, University
of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45236, USA
cDepartment of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois,
Urbana, IL 61802-6199, USA
dSavannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC 29801, USA
Abstract
Portions of the reproductive tract of the male (Trachemys scripta)
turtle were examined by immunocytochemistry for evidence of the capacity
to produce and respond to estrogen hormones (via the expression of P450
aromatase and estrogen receptors). Aromatase was detected in both the
Sertoli and Leydig cells of the testis and was expressed at different
levels during the spermatogenic cycle, being highest in the quiescent
testis and lowest during germ cell meiosis. ER
was found in the Leydig cells surrounding the seminiferous tubules as
well as in the epithelial cells of the excurrent canals (rete testis,
efferent ductule, and epididymis). ER
immunoreactivity was found in both the spermatogonia and Sertoli cells
in the testis, and in the epithelial cells of excurrent canals.
Keywords
Testis; Excurrent ducts; Aromatase; ER;
ER; Turtle
*Corresponding
author
Tel: +1 513 556 5299
Email address: daniel.gist@uc.edu
(D. H. Gist)
SREL Reprint #3018
Gist, D. E., S. Bradshaw, C. M. K. Morrow, J. D. Congdon and R. A. Hess. 2007. Estrogen response system in the reproductive tract of the male turtle: An immunocytochemical study. General and Comparative Endocrinology 151(1): 27-33.
