Direct effect of progestogen on gene expression in the testis during gonadotropin withdrawal and early suppression of spermatogenesis.
BACKGROUND
Testicular production of steroids and gametes is under gonadotropin support, but there is little information as to the molecular mechanisms by which these are regulated in the human. The testicular response to gonadotropin withdrawal is important for the development of effective contraceptive methods.


OBJECTIVE
Our objective was investigation of expression of genes in the normal human testis reflecting steroidogenesis, Sertoli cell function, and spermatogenesis after short-term gonadotropin withdrawal and the effects of activating testicular progesterone receptors.


METHODS
We conducted a randomized controlled trial at a research institute.


METHODS
Thirty healthy men participated.


METHODS
Subjects were randomized to no treatment or gonadotropin suppression by GnRH antagonist (cetrorelix) with testosterone (CT group) or with additional administration of the gestogen desogestrel (CTD group) for 4 wk before testicular biopsy. Gene expression was quantified by RT-PCR.


RESULTS
Both treatment groups showed similar suppression of gonadotropins and sperm production and markedly reduced expression of steroidogenic enzymes. Addition of progestogen in the CTD group resulted in reduced expression of 5alpha-reductase type 1 compared with both controls and the CT group. Inhibin-alpha and the spermatocyte marker acrosin-binding protein were significantly lower in the CTD but not CT groups, compared with controls, but did not differ between treated groups. Men who showed greater falls in sperm production also showed reduced expression of these three genes but not of the spermatid marker protamine 1.


CONCLUSIONS
These data provide evidence for direct progestogenic effects on the testis and highlight steroid 5alpha-reduction and disruption of spermiation as important components of the testicular response to gonadotropin withdrawal.
Walton
Melanie J
MJ
Centre for Reproductive Biology, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom.
Bayne
Rosemary A L
RA
Wallace
Ian
I
Baird
David T
DT
Anderson
Richard A
RA
D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000235:genetics; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects*; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D045167:Progesterone Congeners / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D013076:Sperm Count; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism; D013254:Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase / Q000235:genetics; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D013739:Testosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood
D045167:Progesterone Congeners; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D013739:Testosterone; D017135:Desogestrel; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; C501892:CYP17A1 protein, human; D013254:Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase; C062876:cetrorelix