Prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) is a testicular peritubular cell-derived factor involved in human testicular homeostasis

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. We examined human testicular samples and isolated human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) to explore sites of PG-synthesis and targets. HTPCs express cyclooxygenase 1 (COX1) and secrete PGE 2 . Receptors (EP1, 2, 4) were specifically identified in peritubular cells. In HTPCs PGE 2 significantly increased mRNA levels of the contractility protein calponin, but did not induce contractions. PGE 2 , as well as EP1 and EP4 receptor agonists, significantly increased glia cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) mRNA and/or protein levels. Importantly, the NSAID ibuprofen reduced PGE 2 and this action also lowered SMA and calponin mRNA levels and levels of secreted GDNF protein. The results reveal an unknown PGE 2 system in the human testis, in involving peritubular cells, which may be prone to interference by NSAIDs.Fil: Rey Ares, Veronica. Ludwig Maximilians Universitat; AlemaniaFil: Rossi, Soledad Paola. Ludwig Maximilians Universitat; Alemania. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Dietrich, Kim Gwendolyn. Ludwig Maximilians Universitat; AlemaniaFil: Köhn, Frank Michael. Ludwig Maximilians Universitat; AlemaniaFil: Ullrich Schwarzer, J. Andrologicum; Múnich, Alemania; AlemaniaFil: Welter, Hared. Ludwig Maximilians Universitat; AlemaniaFil: Frungieri, Monica Beatriz. Ludwig Maximilians Universitat; Alemania. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Mayerhofer, Artur. Ludwig Maximilians Universitat; Alemani