title: Localization of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase types 1 and 2 in the male reproductive tract.
abstract: The action of glucocorticoids in target tissues is dependent on the local expression of glucocorticoid receptors and two 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD) enzymes, 11beta-HSD1 and 11beta-HSD2, which interconvert active and inactive glucocorticoids. This study examined expression of the 11beta-HSD enzymes in the male reproductive tract of the adult rat. 11beta-HSD1 was immunolocalized to the apical region of principal epithelial cells of the caput epididymis, with the less numerous clear cells devoid of signal. Epididymal 11beta-HSD1 expression was confirmed by Western blot analysis, with immunoreactive species identified at 34 kDa (the expected size for 11beta-HSD1) and at approximately 48 kDa. 11beta-HSD bioactivity was readily detectable in the epididymis, with 11-oxoreductase activity clearly the favored reaction (as observed in liver), consistent with 11beta-HSD1 expression. The epithelium of the vas deferens, seminal vesicle, and penile urethra were also immunopositive for 11beta-HSD1, as were smooth muscle cells of the vas deferens and penile blood vessels. 11beta-HSD2 was also immunolocalized to the epididymal epithelium, but its distribution was complementary to that of 11beta-HSD1 (i.e. clear cells showing intense 11beta-HSD2 staining but principal cells devoid of signal). 11beta-HSD2 was also present in the corpora cavernosa of the penis but not in other tissues. In conclusion, the differential expression of 11beta-HSD1 and 11beta-HSD2 throughout the male reproductive tract suggests that these enzymes locally modulate glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid actions, particularly in the epididymis and penile vasculature.
authors.affiliation: School of Anatomy & Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia. bwaddell@anhb.uwa.edu.au
authors.forename: Brendan J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Waddell
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hisheh
authors.forename: Zygmunt S
authors.initials: ZS
authors.lastname: Krozowski
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Burton
mesh_terms: D043209:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2; D042842:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D004822:Epididymis / Q000201:enzymology*; D006913:Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000032:analysis*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D010413:Penis / Q000098:blood supply / Q000201:enzymology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012669:Seminal Vesicles / Q000201:enzymology; D012670:Seminiferous Epithelium / Q000201:enzymology; D014521:Urethra / Q000201:enzymology; D014649:Vas Deferens / Q000201:enzymology
chemical_list: D006913:Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D043209:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2; D042842:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases