Localization of XXXX dehydrogenase types 1 and 2 in the male reproductive tract.

@entity47640 @entity72300 @entity72299 @entity35 @entity11331
The action of glucocorticoids in target tissues is dependent on the local expression of glucocorticoid receptors and two @entity11331 dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD) enzymes, @entity72299 , which interconvert active and inactive glucocorticoids. This study examined expression of the 11beta-HSD enzymes in the male reproductive tract of the adult @entity35 . @entity72300 was immunolocalized to the apical region of principal epithelial cells of the caput epididymis, with the less numerous clear cells devoid of signal. Epididymal @entity72300 expression was confirmed by Western blot analysis, with immunoreactive species identified at 34 kDa (the expected size for @entity72300 ) and at approximately 48 kDa. 11beta-HSD bioactivity was readily detectable in the epididymis, with 11-oxoreductase activity clearly the favored reaction (as observed in liver), consistent with @entity72300 expression. The epithelium of the vas deferens, seminal vesicle, and penile urethra were also immunopositive for @entity72300 , as were smooth muscle cells of the vas deferens and penile blood vessels. @entity47640 was also immunolocalized to the epididymal epithelium, but its distribution was complementary to that of @entity72300 (i.e. clear cells showing intense @entity47640 staining but principal cells devoid of signal). @entity47640 was also present in the corpora cavernosa of the penis but not in other tissues. In conclusion, the differential expression of @entity72299 throughout the male reproductive tract suggests that these enzymes locally modulate glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid actions, particularly in the epididymis and penile vasculature.
