Changes in the immunohistochemical localization of estrogen receptor alpha and in the stereological parameters of the testes of mature and aged chickens (Gallus domesticus)

The aim of this study was to detect through immunohistochemistry the presence of the estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) in different cell subpopulations, as well as to evaluate the histological and stereological changes of the testes of mature and aged chickens. Histological results demonstrated several changes in the tubular compartment and interstitial tissue in aged chicken testis as compared to mature chicken testis. Stereological results revealed that the mature chicken testis increases in volume as well as the total volume of the tubular compartment, whereas the total volume of the interstitial tissue and the total volume of Leydig cells diminishes as compared to aged chicken testis. The increase in the total volume of Leydig cells shown in aged chicken testis is due to the increase of cellular volume of Leydig cells, and not in their number, which decreases in aged chicken testis. Results also revealed positive ER-α immunostaining in mature and aged chicken testes, but cellular distribution of ER-α immunostaining changed according to the animal's age. In mature chicken testis, the ER-α was localized in the nuclei of germ and somatic cells. In contrast, in the aged chicken testis, only scarce spermatogonia presented ER-α immunoreactivity. This differential expression of ER-α may contribute to regulate the reproductive function in the mature chicken or the cessation of reproductive function in aged chickens. •ER-α expression changed in an aged-specific manner in chicken testis.•ER-α was detected in most somatic and germ cells in mature chicken testis.•ER-α can play a physiological role in reproductive function of chicken testis.•Somatic cells were not immunoreactive for ER-α in aged chicken testis.•ER-α loss might be involved in the involution of aged chicken testis.