The effects of cryptorchidism on the regulation of steroidogenesis and gap junctional communication in equine testes.
BACKGROUND
Evidence collected over the years has demonstrated that cryptorchidism is associated with a defect in spermatogenesis and, as a consequence, with either reduced fertility or infertility. However, the effect of cryptorchidism on Leydig cell function is less clear. The aim of our study therefore was to investigate the regulation of steroid hormone biosynthesis and, additionally, intercellular communication in the cryptorchid equine testes.


METHODS
Testes of mature bilaterally cryptorchid horse and healthy stallions were used for this study. The expression of luteinising hormone receptor (LHR), 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD), aromatase and connexin43 (Cx43) was detected by means of immunohistochemistry. Testosterone and oestradiol levels were measured in testicular homogenates using appropriate radioimmunoassays.


RESULTS
In the testes of both normal and cryptorchid stallions, immunostaining for LHR, 3beta-HSD and aromatase was confined to the Leydig cells. In the cryptorchid horse, the intensity of the staining for LHR and 3beta-HSD was weaker, whereas the staining for aromatase was clearly stronger than that of the normal stallion. Radioimmunological analysis revealed disturbance of the androgen-oestrogen balance in the cryptorchid testes. Additionally, in both the seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue of the cryptorchid a clear reduction of the Cx43 signal was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Decreased expression of LHR and 3beta-HSD and increased expression of aromatase in the cryptorchid testes suggest that hormonal imbalance was caused both by reduced testosterone synthesis and by increased androgen aromatisation. Impaired expression of Cx43 in the seminiferous tubules as well as in the interstitial tissue of the cryptorchid horse indicates that cryptorchidism affects intercellular communication in the testes.
Hejmej
Anna
A
Department of Endocrinology and Tissue Culture, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland. a.hejmej@op.pl
Bilińska
Barbara
B
D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000818:Animals; D001141:Aromatase / Q000096:biosynthesis; D018031:Connexin 43 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000150:complications*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000378:metabolism; D015870:Gene Expression; D006736:Horses; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D011974:Receptors, LH / Q000096:biosynthesis; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D013739:Testosterone / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D018031:Connexin 43; D011974:Receptors, LH; D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol; D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D001141:Aromatase