Vitamin D receptor and vitamin D metabolizing enzymes are expressed in the human male reproductive tract
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is expressed in human testis, and vitamin D (VD) has been suggested to affect survival and function of mature spermatozoa. Indeed, VDR knockout mice and VD deficient rats show decreased sperm counts and low fertility. However, the cellular response to VD is complex, since it is not solely dependent on VDR expression, but also on cellular uptake of circulating VD and presence and activity of VD metabolizing enzymes. Expression of VD metabolizing enzymes has not previously been investigated in human testis and male reproductive tract. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the expression of VDR, VD activating (CYP2R1, CYP27A1, CYP27B1) and inactivating (CYP24A1) enzymes in the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle (SV), prostate and spermatozoa.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Human Reproduction |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 5 |
Pages (from-to) | 1303-11 |
Number of pages | 9 |
ISSN | 0268-1161 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 May 2010 |
ID: 34048031