17beta-estradiol stimulates proliferation of spermatogonia in experimental cryptorchid mice / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate whether estrogen stimulates the proliferation of spermatogonia or induces spermatogenesis in cryptorchid mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Mice were surgically rendered cryptorchid, then treated with different doses of 17beta-estradiol (E2) s.c. once a day. Mice were killed at sexual maturity (45 days of age), and histological analysis and immunofluorescence were performed. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Low doses of E2 had no notable effect on spermatogonia, but at higher doses, E2 stimulated the proliferation of spermatogonia.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>E2 has a dose-related mitogenic effect on spermatogonia.</p>