Prolactin receptor expression in human testis and accessory tissues: localization and function

Experimental studies in animals have established prolactin (PRL) as a progonadal hormone that promotes the function of the testis and reproductive accessory glands. The present study investigated the localization of PRL receptor (PRL-R) expression in the human testis and accessory tissues. Expressio...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecular human reproduction 2002-07, Vol.8 (7), p.606-611
Main Authors: Hair, W.M., Gubbay, O., Jabbour, H.N., Lincoln, G.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Immunohistochemistry
Male
male reproductive tract
Mammalian male genital system
MAP Kinase Signaling System - physiology
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases - metabolism
Morphology. Physiology
prolactin
prolactin receptor
Receptors, Prolactin - biosynthesis
Receptors, Prolactin - genetics
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
RNA - metabolism
testis
Testis - metabolism
Vas Deferens - metabolism
Vertebrates: reproduction
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Summary:Experimental studies in animals have established prolactin (PRL) as a progonadal hormone that promotes the function of the testis and reproductive accessory glands. The present study investigated the localization of PRL receptor (PRL-R) expression in the human testis and accessory tissues. Expression of PRL-R was identified in human testis and vas deferens by RT–PCR, and further localized by immunohistochemistry to the Leydig cells and differentiating germ cells of the testis (developmental stages extending from pachytene spermatocytes to elongating spermatids). Positive staining for PRL-R was also clearly evident in the epithelium of vas deferens, epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicles. Functional activation of PRL-R was demonstrated in fresh samples of vas deferens collected at vasectomy by examination of the JAK/STAT (Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription) and MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinase ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) signalling pathways. Within the vas deferens, PRL induced rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK 2 and STAT 5 (after 10 and 20 min respectively), and tyrosine and threonine phosphorylation of ERK 1 and 2 (after 5 min). The demonstration of function and localization of PRL-R presented here suggests multiple roles for PRL in the human male reproductive tract.
ISSN:1360-9947
1460-2407
1460-2407
DOI:10.1093/molehr/8.7.606