Prolactin receptors are expressed and hormonally regulated in rat Sertoli cells

Citation
P. Guillaumot et M. Benahmed, Prolactin receptors are expressed and hormonally regulated in rat Sertoli cells, MOL C ENDOC, 149(1-2), 1999, pp. 163-168
Citations number
24
Categorie Soggetti
Endocrinology, Nutrition & Metabolism
Journal title
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
ISSN journal
03037207 → ACNP
Volume
149
Issue
1-2
Year of publication
1999
Pages
163 - 168
Database
ISI
SICI code
0303-7207(19990325)149:1-2<163:PRAEAH>2.0.ZU;2-Z
Abstract
In this study, the protein and mRNA expression of the short and long forms of Prolactin (PRL) receptors (PRL-R) were examined by means of Northern and Western blotting analyses in rat testicular Sertoli cells. Transcripts for the short and long forms of PRL-R were detected with specific probes, five major mRNA species of about 1.9, 2.6, 3.0, 3.7 and 5 kb for the short form and two of about 10 and 1.3 kb for the long form. Under reducing condition s, the use of a specific antibody for the short form revealed a major molec ular species of approximate to 45 kDa. Two groups of molecular species were detected for the long form, several bands with high molecular masses (110- 300 kDa) and others about 45-60 kDa. Finally, the expression of the long fo rm of PRL-R was shown to be hormonally regulated as it was inhibited by fol licle stimulating hormone (FSH) (ED50 = 5 ng/ml). Together, the localisatio n of PRL receptors to Sertoli cells as well as the regulatory action of FSH on these receptors suggest that PRL and or (a) PRL-like activity(ies) migh t be considered as (a) potential regulator(s) of spermatogenesis. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.