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Differentiation-Dependent Expression of 17ß-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase, Type 10, in the Rodent Testis: Effect of Aging in Leydig Cells

Institute for Hormone and Fertility Research (R.I., M.B., R.J.K.A., H.-J.P.), University of Hamburg, 22529 Hamburg, Germany; and Medical Research Council (C.M., R.S.) Centre for Human Reproductive Science, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Richard Ivell, Institute for Hormone and Fertility Research, University of Hamburg, Falkenried 88, 20251 Hamburg, Germany. E-mail: ivell{at}ihf.de

Expression of the new 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), type 10 (17ß-HSD-10), formerly known as endoplasmic reticulum-associated amyloid-binding protein, has been investigated in the testes of various mammals under normal and perturbed conditions. Results show that 17ß-HSD-10 is a major product of both fetal and adult-type Leydig cells. In the former, protein persists until late in postnatal development; and in the short-day hamster model, it does not disappear when Leydig cells involute. During puberty in the rat, immunohistochemical staining for 17ß-HSD-10 in adult-type Leydig cells first becomes evident on d 20, increasing to maximal staining intensity by d 35. In the rat, but not in the mouse or any other species examined, there is also staining in late spermatids. Examination of testes from rats subjected to perinatal treatment with either a GnRH antagonist or low and high doses of diethylstilbestrol revealed that expression of 17ß-HSD-10 follows closely Leydig cell differentiation status, correlating with 3ß-HSD expression in a previous study. In aging (23 months) rat testes, Leydig cell (but not germ cell) immunostaining for 17ß-HSD-10 is markedly reduced. 17ß-HSD-10 seems to preferentially convert 3-androstanediol into dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol to estrone. Thus, perinatal expression of this enzyme in fetal Leydig cells may contribute to protecting these cells from estrogens and encourage androgen formation.

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