Abstract
Cryptorchidism in horses is a commonly occurring malformation. The molecular basis of this pathology is not fully known. In addition, the origins of high intratesticular estrogen levels in horses remain obscure. In order to investigate the role of the G-protein-coupled membrane estrogen receptor (GPER) and establish histological and biochemical cryptorchid testis status, healthy and cryptorchid horse testes were subjected to scanning electron microscopy analysis, histochemical staining for total protein (with naphthol blue black; NBB), acid content (with toluidine blue O; TBO), and polysaccharide content (with periodic acid–Schiff; PAS). The expression of GPER was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. GPER-mediated intracellular cAMP and calcium (Ca2+) signaling were measured immunoenzymatically or colorimetrically. Our data revealed changes in the distribution of polysaccharide content but not the protein and acid content in the cryptorchid testis. Polysaccharides seemed to be partially translocated from the interstitial compartment to the seminiferous tubule compartment. Moreover, the markedly decreased expression of GPER and GPER downstream molecules, cAMP and Ca2+, suggests their potential role in testis pathology. Increased estrogen levels in cryptorchid conditions may be linked to disturbed GPER signaling. We postulate that GPER is a prominent key player in testis development and function and may be used as a new biomarker of horse testis in health and disease.
Highlights
Testicular descent is an integral part of the male differentiation process
The gubernaculum is subject to the superior hormonal regulation of androgens and insulin-like 3 (INSL3), which are absolutely required for testis descent [1]
Findings by Zhang et al [8] confirmed the expression of the G-protein-coupled membrane estrogen receptor (GPER) in the gubernaculum of mice
Summary
Testicular descent is an integral part of the male differentiation process. Testes migrate from the abdominal cavity to the scrotum. The present studies were designed to provide additional insight into estrogen regulation and the role of GPER in healthy and cryptorchid horse testes. GPER is expressed in peritubular-myoid cells, suggesting that estrogenic signaling via GPER is involved in the regulation of peritubular-myoid cells [66] This is not the case in either healthy or cryptorchid horse testes. These two universal second messengers impact various aspects of cell function, including hormone secretion, gene expression, stimulation of other messengers, muscle contraction, and metabolism Due to both biochemical and molecular changes mainly in the interstitial tissue (which is the first physiological barrier protecting seminiferous tubules; [73]) in cryptorchid testes, an altered Ca2+ level and cAMP level is produced by this compartment. Fhuorrtshees.r Fstuurdthieesr asrtuedwieasrraarnetwedartoradnetefidnetothdeefifunnectthioenfuonf cGtiPoEnRoifnGLPeEyRdiigncLeellysdfirgomcelflestufrsotmo afedtuulsthtooaddiunlthhoorosde tienstheosrasse wteesltleassatsowdeltlerams tinoedwetheermthienreGwPEhRethcaenr GsePrEveRacsaanbsieormvearaksear fboiromthaerekvearlfuoartitohne eovf anlouramtioalnoorfdniostrumrabledortedsistitsumrboerdptheostloisgmy oanrpdhfoulnocgtyioann.d function
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