• PMID: 18681990
• Gene Name: PGR
• Condition: Male infertility
• Association: Normal PR expression was observed in biopsies demonstrating hypospermatogenesis. In biopsies showing mixed phenotypes, the tubules with SCO or spermatogonia arrest showed absence of PR expression; normal PR expression was observed in adjacent tubules show
• Population size: 18
• Population details: 18 infertile men
• Sex: Male
• Infertility type: Male infertility
• Other associated phenotypes: Male infertility

Altered expression of progesterone receptors in testis of infertile men

Abid S, Gokral J, Maitra A, Meherji P, Kadam S, Pires E, Modi D.

Progesterone has been implicated in the process of spermatogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the association of progesterone receptor (PR) expression with spermatogenesis in the testis of infertile men. PR mRNA and protein were assessed by in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in testicular biopsies obtained from 18 infertile men. The extent of spermatogenesis was assessed by Johnsen scoring. None of the patients included in the study had Yq microdeletions. PR expression was almost undetectable in all the testicular sections displaying Sertoli cell only (SCO) or arrest at spermatogonia. Weak cytoplasmic expression was observed in biopsies showing arrest at different stages of meiosis. In biopsies displaying spermatogenesis up to the round spermatid stages, PR expression was observed in both nucleus and cytoplasm of different cell types at intensity lower than that detected in normal biopsies. Normal PR expression was observed in biopsies demonstrating hypospermatogenesis. In biopsies showing mixed phenotypes, the tubules with SCO or spermatogonia arrest showed absence of PR expression; normal PR expression was observed in adjacent tubules showing complete spermatogenesis. Semi-quantitative assessment of PR expression and Johnsen scores in the testicular biopsies of infertile men demonstrating different phenotypes indicated a direct relationship between PR expression and extent of spermatogenesis. FAU - Abid, Shadaan AU - Abid S AD - National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, JM Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India. FAU - Gokral, Jyotsna AU - Gokral J FAU - Maitra, Anurupa AU - Maitra A FAU - Meherji, Pervin AU - Meherji P FAU - Kadam, Seema AU - Kadam S FAU - Pires, Eusebio AU - Pires E