Androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α) and estrogen receptor-beta (ER-β) expression in the testis of the newt, Triturus marmoratus marmoratus during the annual cycle

Abstract

Expression of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) and estrogen receptor beta (ER-β) in the testis of the marbled newt (Triturus marmoratus marmoratus) was investigated, with special attention to changes during the annual testicular cycle, using light microscopy immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Primordial germ cells, primary and secondary spermatogonia and spermatocytes showed a positive reaction to the 3 receptor antibodies during the annual reproductive cycle. Follicular cells were positive to AR, ER-α and ER-β during the spermiogenesis and quiescence periods in the glandular tissue. Interstitial cells showed reactivity to AR, ER-α and ER-β in the spermiogenesis and the quiescence periods, and presented no labelling to these receptors in the proliferative period. These findings suggest that, as in mammals, there is an androgen-estrogen regulation of the function and development of the newt testis.