Castration induces changes in expression and distribution of receptors in rat epididymis. Implications on Cathepsin D secretion

AGUILERA CAROLINA; CARVELLI LORENA; BANNOUD NADIA; MALOSSI ELIAS; SOSA ESCUDERO MIGUEL

Aguas de San Pedro- San Pablo

Congreso; Fifth International Conference on the Epididymis; 2010

It is well known that the epididymal epithelium (which is stimulated by steroids hormones) is involved in the process of sperm maturation through its secretory activity. High concentrations of some acid hydrolases have been found in the epididymal lumen, an intriguing fact considering that these enzymes should be confined to an intracellular compartment. Moreover, it was confirmed that some enzymes are secreted into the epididymal lumen in response to androgenic hormones. In other cells and tissues, acid hydrolases are selectively transported to lysosomes via mannose-6-phosphate receptors (MPRs), although alternative routes of transport have been described.