Localization of Estrogen Receptors in Male Reproductive Tissues and Sperm Cells – A Review

Abstract The effect of endogenous estrogens on the male reproductive tissues and development of gametes is an essential for the reproductive success. Estrogens affect the target cells via estrogen receptors (ERs) by both genomic and non-genomic pathways. The ER localization in the testis, epididymis, and sperm cells is a key to understanding the effect of estrogens on the sperm development, maturation, and function. The ER detection in male reproductive tissues and sperm cells at different development stages is described in representative mammalian species (human, mouse, rat, horse, and pig), in which the ER localization has been most described. According to various authors the ER occurrence in the male reproductive tissues and spermatozoa is quite distinct. Discrepancy in the published results is probably caused either by the application of different tissue preparation methods, or the choice of specific antibodies. Inconsistent findings should be subjected to further investigation to better understand the role of ERs in the male gamete development and mammalian reproduction