Evidence for sulfatase and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 activities in equine epididymis and uterus.
Abstract: Our previous work showed that stallion testis produces high amounts of estrogens which are subsequently found in the ejaculate. These estrogens are mainly synthesized by testicular aromatase, and the major estrogen produced is estrone sulfate (E1S). The objective of this study was to investigate the potential role of E1S as a source of estrogens in the male and female horse reproductive tracts by determining whether both estrone sulfatase (Sulf) and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I (17beta-HSD1) activities were present in equine testes, epididymis and uterus. We assessed E1S bioconversion into estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2) in these tissues. Both Sulf and 17beta-HSD1 activities were well detected in the cauda epididymis and uterus. Additionally, Sulf activity was present in the distal corpus of the epididymis, and 17beta-HSDI in the proximal corpus. In contrast, aromatase gene expression, measured as an internal control of endogenous estrogen production, had high activity only in the testis. We found that seminal E1S of testicular origin can be metabolized to E2, especially in the cauda epididymis and uterus. Because E2 appears to play a major role in male and female reproduction, we propose that the bioconversion of seminal E1S could affect male and female fertility.
Publication Date: 2002-08-17 PubMed ID: 12182355DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(02)00917-2Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research focuses on the production and conversion of certain estrogens in the reproductive tract of both male and female horses, especially sulfatase and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1. Findings suggest that these hormones may affect fertility in both genders.
Objective of the Research
- The main objective was to examine the potential role of estrone sulfate (E1S) as a source of estrogens in the reproductive tracts of male and female horses. The researchers were particularly interested in the activities of two enzymes, estrone sulfatase (Sulf) and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I (17beta-HSD1) which are instrumental in the conversion of E1S into receptive estrogen forms.
Methodology of the Research
- This study explored the bioconversion of E1S into two types of estrogens, estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2), in various parts of the equine reproductive system namely the testes, epididymis, and uterus.
- The researchers also conducted an assessment of the expression of the aromatase gene, which is essential in the creation of endogenous estrogen, as a control measure.
Key Findings of the Research
- The activities of both sulfatase and 17beta-HSD1 were detected in the cauda epididymis and uterus, which suggests that these areas have the potential to convert E1S into active estrogens.
- Sulf activity was also found in the distal portion of the corpus of the epididymis, while 17beta-HSD1 was detected in the proximal corpus.
- The aromatase gene showed high activity only in the testes, indicating this is the primary location for the synthesis of estrogen in stallions.
- Estrone sulfate of testicular origin can be metabolically converted to estradiol, predominantly in the cauda epididymis and uterus.
Implications of the Research
- Understanding the role of E1S and its bioconversion to active estrogens could help in developing therapeutic interventions for fertility issues in equines. The findings suggest that seminal E1S may contribute to both male and female fertility, warranting further study.
- The research brings to light the significant role of the epididymis and uterus in bioconverting E1S into E2, an estrogen that is essential for both male and female reproduction.
- The study also highlights the pivotal role of testes in the synthesis of estrogens in stallions.
Cite This Article
APA
Lemazurier E, Séralini GE.
(2002).
Evidence for sulfatase and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 activities in equine epididymis and uterus.
Theriogenology, 58(1), 113-121.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0093-691x(02)00917-2 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Caen, France.
MeSH Terms
- 17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / metabolism
- Animals
- Aromatase / genetics
- Aromatase / metabolism
- Epididymis / enzymology
- Estradiol / metabolism
- Estrone / metabolism
- Female
- Horses
- Male
- RNA, Messenger / analysis
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sulfatases / metabolism
- Sulfates / metabolism
- Testis / enzymology
- Uterus / enzymology
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Cooke PS, Nanjappa MK, Ko C, Prins GS, Hess RA. Estrogens in Male Physiology. Physiol Rev 2017 Jul 1;97(3):995-1043.
- Joseph A, Shur BD, Hess RA. Estrogen, efferent ductules, and the epididymis. Biol Reprod 2011 Feb;84(2):207-17.
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