Thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1-beta 1 expression in epididymal epithelium from euthyroid and hypothyroid rats

The objectives of the present work were to assess whether epithelial cells from the different segments of epididymis express TR alpha 1-beta 1 isoforms, to depict its subcellular immunolocalization and to evaluate changes in their expression in rats experimentally submitted to a hypothyroid state by injection of 131I. In euthyroid and hypothyroid groups, TR protein was expressed in epididymal epithelial cells, mainly in the cytoplasmic compartment while only a few one showed a staining in the nucleus as well. A similar TR immunostaining pattern was detected in the different segments of the epididymis. In hypothyroid rats, the number of TR-immunoreactive epithelial cells as well as the intensity of the cytoplasmic staining significantly increased in all sections analyzed. In consonance to the immunocytochemical analysis, the expression of TR alpha 1-beta 1 isoforms, assessed by Western blot revealed significantly higher levels of TR in cytosol compared to the nuclear fractions. Furthermore, TR expression of both alpha 1 and beta 1 isoforms and their mRNA levels were increased by the hypothyroid state. The immuno-electron-microscopy showed specific reaction for TR in principal cells associated with eucromatin, cytosolic matrix and mitochondria. The differences in expression levels assessed in control and thyroidectomized rats ascertain a specific function of TH on this organ.