Fluorescence and inmunohistological detection of estrogen receptors in dog testis and epidydimis after oral coumestrol administration.
BACKGROUND
Estrogens are well recognized as important hormones in male reproduction and act as ligands to alpha and beta estrogen receptors. Both estrogen receptors could interact with estrogen-mimicking compounds such as the fluorescent phytoestrogen coumestrol, which acts both in an agonist or antagonist fashion.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the presence of Coumestrol-Estrogen Receptor complexes by fluorescence in testis and epididymis, its effect in the ER expression by immunostain in the same tissues and the effect of this binding in the testis histological characteristics.


METHODS
Adult healthy and sexually active dogs were assigned to either the experimental or control group .Coumestrol impregnated dog biscuits were given to each animal from the experimental group once a week for a 4 week period. The control group received a biscuit with no Coumestrol, also once a week and for the same period. Testis morphology, ER immunodetection, and coumestrol-receptor binding were evaluated.


METHODS
The experiment was done in the facilities of the Mexico City canine shelter. Animals were caged individually with food and water ad libitum and having at least two daily hours for exercise.


RESULTS
Morphological alterations in testis after oral administration of coumestrol were detected. The main alterations include decreased germinal epithelium in tubule, and the loss of a continuous proliferation and differentiation gamete layer. Fluorescence signals in testis interstitial Leydig cells and epididymus indicating ER-coumestrol complexes were detected at the same points to those Immunohystochemically detected ER.


CONCLUSIONS
Coumestrol administration induces testis alterations and coumestrol-ER complexes can be co-localized by binding-enhanced fluorescence and immunoprecipitation.
Serrano
Hector
H
Department of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa campus, Mexico. hser@xanum.uam.mx
Perez-Rivero
Juan Jose
JJ
Martinez-Maya
Jose Juan
JJ
Aguilar-Setien
Alvaro
A
Perez-Martinez
Mario
M
Garcia-Suarez
Maria-Dolores
MD
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D003375:Coumestrol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004285:Dogs; D004822:Epididymis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000187:drug effects; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
D048789:Phytoestrogens; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D003375:Coumestrol