Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a testicular peritubular cell-derived factor involved in human testicular homeostasis

FRUNGIERI, MB; KÖHN, F; MAYERHOFER, A; REY, V; ULLRICH SCHWARZER, J; WELTER H; DIETRICH, K; ROSSI, SP

MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY.

ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2018 vol. 274 p. 217 - 224

0303-7207

In man, blockage of prostaglandin (PG)-production e.g. by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug(NSAIDs) may have negative testicular side effects, implying beneficial actions of PGs in the testis. Weexamined human testicular samples and isolated human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) to exploresites of PG-synthesis and targets. HTPCs express cyclooxygenase 1 (COX1) and secrete PGE2. Receptors(EP1, 2, 4) were specifically identified in peritubular cells. In HTPCs PGE2 significantly increased mRNAlevels of the contractility protein calponin, but did not induce contractions. PGE2, as well as EP1 and EP4receptor agonists, significantly increased glia cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) mRNA and/orprotein levels. Importantly, the NSAID ibuprofen reduced PGE2 and this action also lowered SMA andcalponin mRNA levels and levels of secreted GDNF protein. The results reveal an unknown PGE2 systemin the human testis, in involving peritubular cells, which may be prone to interference by NSAIDs.