Oestrogens and Spermatogenesis

Overview

Journal Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci

Specialty Biology

Date 2010 Apr 21

PMID 20403867

Citations 97

Authors

Serge Carreau

Rex A Hess

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The role of oestrogens in male reproductive tract physiology has for a long time been a subject of debate. The testis produces significant amounts of oestrogenic hormones, via aromatase, and oestrogen receptors (ERs)alpha (ESR1) and ERbeta (ESR2) are selectively expressed in cells of the testis as well as the epididymal epithelium, depending upon species. This review summarizes the current knowledge concerning the presence and activity of aromatase and ERs in testis and sperm and the potential roles that oestrogens may have in mammalian spermatogenesis. Data show that physiology of the male gonad is in part under the control of a balance of androgens and oestrogens, with aromatase serving as a modulator.

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