Stage-dependent changes in steroidogenic enzymes and estrogen receptors during spermatogenesis in the testis of the dogfish, Squalus acanthias.

In the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), germ cells and adjacent steroidogenic elements are topographically segregated within the testis according to stage of development. In the experiments reported here, we have taken advantage of this favorable anatomical arrangement to demonstrate stage-specific variations in steroidogenic enzymes and estrogen receptor number. The testes of Squalus collected in July-November were sectioned transversely and further subdivided into three zones as follows: I) germinal bed plus immature lobules with spermatogonia; II) lobules with primary or secondary spermatocytes; III) lobules with spermatids or mature spermatozoa. The morphology of these zones was verified by light microscopy and, in a separate study, by electron microscopy. Through the course of spermatogenesis, Sertoli cells increased dramatically in size and in the abundance of steroidogenic organelles. By contrast, interstitial tissue was sparse in all stages of development, and only relatively undifferentiated Leydig-like cells were present. Microsomes prepared from each zone were incubated with [3H] progesterone, [3H]17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, or [3H]androstenedione to evaluate androgen and estrogen biosynthetic potentials. Based on product formation, 17 alpha-hydroxylase and C-17,20-lyase activities increased progressively from less mature to more mature regions (zone III greater than II greater than I), whereas aromatase was greatest in regions undergoing meiosis or early spermiogenesis (zone II). These enzymes were not detected in semen, although C21 substrates were converted to unidentified polar metabolites in high yield. Estrogen receptors were concentrated in immature zones (zone I greater than II greater than III), and the percentage of occupied receptors revealed the same distribution. Semen and epigonal tissues were receptor negative. We conclude that Sertoli cells are responsible for steroidogenesis in Squalus testis and that hormone production is keyed to the spermatogenic cycle. The data are consistent with an important role for androgens during spermatid maturation and/or after sperm release, but reveal that estrogen actions are expressed primarily during early spermatogenic stages. This report demonstrates the usefulness of unconventional animal models for obtaining new information of general relevance.