Cyp17a1 and Cyp19a1 in the zebrafish testis are differentially affected by oestradiol

Author(s)

Hinfray, Nathalie ^[1] ; Nobrega, Rafael Henrique ^{[2, 3]} ; Caulier, Morgane ^[1] ; Baudiffier, Damien ^[1] ; Maillot-Marechal, Emmanuelle ^[1] ; Chadili, Edith ^[1] ; Palluel, Olivier ^[1] ; Porcher, Jean-Marc ^[1] ; Schulz, Ruediger ^[2] ; Brion, Francois ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] INERIS, Direct Risques Chron, Pole VIVA, Unite Ecotoxicol Vitro & Vivo, F-60550 Verneuil En Halatte - France

^[2] Univ Utrecht, Fac Sci, Dept Biol, Reprod Biol Grp, Div Dev Biol, NL-3584 CH Utrecht - Netherlands

^[3] Sao Paulo State Univ, Dept Morphol, Biosci Inst, BR-18618000 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Endocrinology; v. 216, n. 3, p. 375-388, MAR 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 16

Abstract

Oestrogens can affect expression of genes encoding steroidogenic enzymes in fish gonads. However, little information is available on their effects at the protein level. In this context, we first analysed the expression of key steroidogenic enzyme genes and proteins in zebrafish testis, paying attention also to other cell types than Leydig cells. Gene expression was analysed by quantitative PCR on fluorescence-activated cell-sorting fractions coupled or not to differential plating, while protein synthesis was studied by immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies against zebrafish Cyp17a1, Cyp19a1a and Cyp19a1b. Furthermore, we have evaluated the effect of oestrogen treatment (17 beta-oestradiol (E-2), 10 nM) on the localization of these enzymes after 7 and 14 days of in vivo exposure in order to study how oestrogen-mediated modulation of their expression is linked to oestrogen effects on spermatogenesis. The major outcomes of this study are that Leydig cells express Cyp17a1 and Cyp19a1a, while testicular germ cells express Cyp17a1 and both, Cyp19a1a and Cyp19a1b. As regards Cyp17a1, both protein and mRNA seem to be quantitatively dominating in Leydig cells. Moreover, E-2 exposure specifically affects only Leydig cell Cyp17a1 synthesis, preceding the disruption of spermatogenesis. The oestrogen-induced suppression of the androgen production capacity in Leydig cells is a major event in altering spermatogenesis, while germ cell steroidogenesis may have to be fuelled by precursors from Leydig cells. Further studies are needed to elucidate the functionality of steroidogenic enzymes in germ cells and their potential role in testicular physiology. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/12191-0 - Paracrine and molecular regulation of the spermatogonial stem cell niche in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and the use of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) as a model to delay spermatogonial differentiation during puberty
• Grantee: Rafael Henrique Nóbrega
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral