TRANSCRIPTION AND TRANSLATION OF ESTROGEN RECEPTOR-BETA IN THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE-TRACT OF ESTROGEN RECEPTOR-ALPHA KNOCK-OUT AND WILD-TYPE MICE

Estrogen receptor-alpha (ER alpha) has been identified in the male rep roductive tract, but the role of estrogen in the male has not been wel l characterized. In vivo mutations in ER alpha genes have demonstrated the necessity for ER alpha-mediated action in male fertility. We aske d whether both ERP messenger RNA and protein were present in the male reproductive tract of wild-type and ER alpha knock-out (ER alpha KO) m ice, and whether ERP could compensate for the lack of ER alpha in infe rtile male ER alpha KO mice. Immunohistochemical localization with bot h N- and C-terminal anti-ER beta antibodies demonstrated that ER beta is present in the Leydig cells of the testes and in the epithelium of both the efferent: ductules and the initial segment of the epididymis. RT-PCR amplification was used to confirm ER beta transcription in the se tissues. In conclusion? we observed that ER beta messenger RNA and protein continue to be expressed in the Leydig cells, elongated sperma tids, efferent ductules, and the initial segment of the epididymides o f ER alpha KO mice, but the presence of ER beta is not able to compens ate for the absence of ER alpha in male reproductive function.