title: Stallion spermatozoa: putative target of estrogens; presence of the estrogen receptors ESR1, ESR2 and identification of the estrogen-membrane receptor GPER.
abstract: Among mammals, the stallion produces the largest amount of testicular estrogens. These steroid hormones are produced mainly by Leydig and Sertoli cells in the testis and also in the epididymis. Their role in horse testicular physiology and their ability to act on spermatozoa are still unknown. In order to determine if spermatozoa are targets for estrogens, the presence of estrogen receptors in mature ejaculated spermatozoa has been investigated. The presence of a single isoform of ESR1 (66kDa) and ESR2 (61kDa) was found by Western-blot analysis in samples from seven stallions. Confocal analysis mainly showed a flagellar localization for both receptors. Immuno-TEM experiments revealed that they are mostly located near the membranes, which are classically associated with rapid, non-genomic, effects. Moreover, we evidenced the expression of the seven transmembrane estradiol binding receptor GPER in colt testis. The protein was also localized at the connecting piece in mature spermatozoa. In conclusion, our results suggest that horse spermatozoa are a target for estrogens, which could act on several receptors either during the epididymal transit and/or in the female genital tract.
authors.affiliation: Normandie Univ, F-14032 Caen, France; UNICAEN, EA2608, OeReCa, F-14032 Caen, France; USC-INRA 2006, F-14032 Caen, France.
authors.forename: Brahim
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Arkoun
authors.affiliation: Normandie Univ, F-14032 Caen, France; UNICAEN, EA2608, OeReCa, F-14032 Caen, France; USC-INRA 2006, F-14032 Caen, France.
authors.forename: Camille
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gautier
authors.affiliation: Normandie Univ, F-14032 Caen, France; UNICAEN, EA2608, OeReCa, F-14032 Caen, France; USC-INRA 2006, F-14032 Caen, France.
authors.forename: Christelle
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Delalande
authors.affiliation: Jumenterie du Pin, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, 61310 Exmes, France.
authors.forename: Isabelle
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Barrier-Battut
authors.affiliation: Normandie Univ, F-14032 Caen, France; UNICAEN, EA2608, OeReCa, F-14032 Caen, France; USC-INRA 2006, F-14032 Caen, France.
authors.forename: Isabelle
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Guénon
authors.affiliation: Normandie Univ, F-14032 Caen, France; UNICAEN, CMABIO, F-14032 Caen, France.
authors.forename: Didier
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Goux
authors.affiliation: Normandie Univ, F-14032 Caen, France; UNICAEN, EA2608, OeReCa, F-14032 Caen, France; USC-INRA 2006, F-14032 Caen, France. Electronic address: helene.bouraima@unicaen.fr.
authors.forename: Hélène
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bouraïma-Lelong
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D004542:Ejaculation; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006736:Horses / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D021381:Protein Transport; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000378:metabolism*; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013347:Subcellular Fractions / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
keywords: Estrogen; Estrogen receptor; Horse; Spermatozoa