Estrogens: new players in spermatogenesis

Aromatase that irreversibly transforms androgens into estrogens is present in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum of nearly all cell types in the mammalian testis. In rodents, all testicular cells except for myoid cells express aromatase activity. We have demonstrated the presence of the functional aromatase (transcript or protein, and biological activity) in adult rat germ cells including pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. We have also demonstrated estrogen output from these cells equivalent to that of Leydig cells. Unlike androgen receptors, which are localized mainly in testicular somatic cells, estrogen receptors are present in both somatic and germ cells in the testis. Moreover, we have recently described the rapid membrane effects of estrogens (via G protein-coupled receptor [GPER]) in purified rat germ cells. On the basis of various experimental models, in vitro studies and clinical data, it can be concluded that estrogens play an essential role in male reproduction, specifically in the development of spermatozoa.