[Distribution and effects of estrogen receptors in male reproductive system].
Estrogen plays an important role in the regulation of male reproduction. Through binding with the estrogen receptor (ER), estrogen produces genomic and non-genomic effects. Estrogen receptors include ERalpha and ERbeta which distribute in the male reproductive system including the testis, epididymis, prostate and penis. The spermatogenesis is impaired in mice with ERalpha gene knockout; however, it remains normal in mice with ERbeta gene knockout. This phenomenon suggests that the two subtypes of ER play different roles in spermatogenesis. Moreover, ERalpha or ERbeta may also act as a substitute of another.
Jiang
Chun-xia
CX
PLA Institute of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing General Hospital of Nanjing Command, PLA, Nanjing, Jiangsu 21002, China.
Pan
Lian-jun
LJ
Huang
Yu-feng
YF
D000818:Animals; D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha / Q000378:metabolism; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta / Q000378:metabolism; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000378:metabolism*
D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen