Oestrogens and spermatogenesis

• Published in: Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B. Biological sciences Vol. 365; no. 1546; pp. 1517 - 1535
• Main Authors: Carreau, Serge, Hess, Rex A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England The Royal Society 27.05.2010; Royal Society, The
• Subjects: Animals; Computer Science; Endocrinology; Estrogen receptors; Estrogens; Estrogens - physiology; Germ Cell; Germ cells; Humans; Leydig cells; Life Sciences; Male; Oestrogen; Oestrogen Receptor; Receptors; Review; Sertoli cells; Spermatogenesis; Spermatogenesis - physiology; Spermatozoa; Spermatozoa - enzymology; Spermatozoa - physiology; Testes; Testis; Testis - physiology; oestrogen; alpha er-alpha; messenger-ribonucleic-acid; rat; active p450 aromatase; testis; oestrogen receptor; sertoli-cells; adult male rats; aromatase gene-expression; protein-coupled receptor; male reproductive-system; spermatogenesis; human ejaculated spermatozoa; efferent ductule epithelium; germ cell
• ISSN: 0962-8436; 1471-2970; 1471-2970
• DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2009.0235

The role of oestrogens in male reproductive tract physiology has for a long time been a subject of debate. The testis produces significant amounts of oestrogenic hormones, via aromatase, and oestrogen receptors (ERs)α (ESR1) and ERβ (ESR2) are selectively expressed in cells of the testis as well as the epididymal epithelium, depending upon species. This review summarizes the current knowledge concerning the presence and activity of aromatase and ERs in testis and sperm and the potential roles that oestrogens may have in mammalian spermatogenesis. Data show that physiology of the male gonad is in part under the control of a balance of androgens and oestrogens, with aromatase serving as a modulator.