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Aromatase expression in the human male
1Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|June 19, 2001
Summary
Testicular aromatase, the enzyme producing estrogen, is primarily found in Leydig cells in mature testes. In rare cases like Peutz-Jegher
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Estrogens produced by the testes play roles in androgen biosynthesis regulation and seminiferous tubule function.
- Estrogens may also influence Sertoli and Leydig cell proliferation.
- Understanding aromatase localization is key to comprehending testicular estrogen synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the precise location of aromatase (estrogen synthetase) within human testes across different age groups.
- To correlate aromatase activity with its immunocytochemical localization.
- To examine aromatase expression in specific conditions like Peutz-Jegher's Syndrome and gynecomastia.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry was used to detect aromatase in testicular tissue samples from human subjects aged 3 months to 72 years.
- Aromatase activity was quantified biochemically (pmol estrogen per mg/h).
- Analysis included correlation of aromatase activity and immunostain intensity with age and Leydig cell morphology.
Main Results:
- In mature testes, aromatase was consistently localized to Leydig cells, with no staining in Sertoli cells.
- Aromatase activity correlated significantly with immunostain intensity but not with age, with highest levels in young men (18-20 years).
- In Peutz-Jegher's Syndrome patients, aromatase was found in Sertoli cells, and in a gynecomastia case, excess aromatization occurred in skin fibroblasts and lymphocytes, suggesting a genetic basis.
Conclusions:
- Leydig cells are the primary site of testicular aromatase in mature human testes.
- Aromatase expression and activity can be altered in specific genetic conditions, affecting estrogen synthesis.
- The study highlights the tissue-specific and condition-dependent expression of aromatase, with potential autosomal dominant inheritance patterns observed.