Seasonal morphophysiological variations in the prostatic complex of the Tarabul's gerbil (Gerbillus tarabuli).
Gerbillus tarabuli is a nocturnal Saharan rodent which has an annual reproductive cycle characterized by the reproductive activity in spring and a long phase of sexual quiescence in other seasons. We describe the morphology and hormonal regulation of the prostatic complex of this rodent in the two periods, based on anatomical, histological, morphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses. The organisation of this prostatic complex is similar to that reported for Meriones unguiculatus, but different from the prostate of Psammomys obesus, the rat, and the mouse. In addition to the anterior lobes, ventral lobes, and dorsal lobes, the prostatic complex of Gerbillus tarabuli, also includes dorsolateral lobe. Each lobe is composed of a fibro-muscular stroma surrounding a glandular epithelium. Dorsolateral lobes are easily distinguishable by their big volume. The prostate grows and regresses cyclically throughout the year. During the resting season, ventral lobes and anterior lobes showed atrophy, with a significant decrease in both epithelial height and supranuclear area size, and a strong thickening of the fibro-muscular compartment. In dorsal lobes, the epithelial and stromal compartments atrophied and regenerated simultaneously, whereas in dorsolateral lobe the thickness of the epithelium, the supranuclear zone and the stroma increased during resting period. Furthermore, seasonal variations were observed in the distribution and expression of both androgen receptors, and estrogens receptors. Expression patterns of all receptors were lobe-specific. In conclusion, both androgens and estrogens are involved in the homeostasis and regulation of the prostate in Gerbillus tarabuli. Dorsolateral lobe seems to be controlled by a different mechanism than other lobes.
Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Zones Arides, Faculté des Sciences Biologiques, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene. BP 32 El-Alia, 16111 Alger, Algérie; Université Mammoud Mammeri, Faculté des Sciences Biologiques et des Sciences Agronomiques, Département de Biologie, 15000 Tizi-Ouzou, Algérie. Electronic address: aa_ke@yahoo.fr.
Arezki
A
Kheddache
Université de Lyon, UMRS 449, Biologie Générale - Reproduction et Développement Comparé, Université Catholique de Lyon, EPHE/PSL, 10 place des Archives, 69288 Lyon Cedex 02, France.
Elara N'tima
EN
Moudilou
Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Zones Arides, Faculté des Sciences Biologiques, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene. BP 32 El-Alia, 16111 Alger, Algérie.
Yamina
Y
Zatra
Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Zones Arides, Faculté des Sciences Biologiques, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene. BP 32 El-Alia, 16111 Alger, Algérie.
Naouel
N
Aknoun-Sail
Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Zones Arides, Faculté des Sciences Biologiques, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene. BP 32 El-Alia, 16111 Alger, Algérie.
Zaina
Z
Amirat
Université de Lyon, UMRS 449, Biologie Générale - Reproduction et Développement Comparé, Université Catholique de Lyon, EPHE/PSL, 10 place des Archives, 69288 Lyon Cedex 02, France. Electronic address: jmexbrayat@univ-catholyon.fr.
Jean-Marie
JM
Exbrayat
Université de Lyon, UMRS 449, Biologie Générale - Reproduction et Développement Comparé, Université Catholique de Lyon, EPHE/PSL, 10 place des Archives, 69288 Lyon Cedex 02, France.
Farida
F
Khammar
D000352:Africa, Northern; D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D005849:Gerbillinae / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D011467:Prostate / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000235:genetics; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000235:genetics; D012621:Seasons; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*
D000728:Androgens; D004967:Estrogens; D011944:Receptors, Androgen; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen
Gerbillus tarabuli; Morphology; Prostate; Regulation; Saharan rodent; Seasonality