The formation of competent spermatozoa is a complex event that depends on the establishment of adequate environments throughout the male reproductive tract. Bicarbonate is essential not only to ionic homeostasis but also to pH maintenance along the male reproductive tract. Previous studies support an association of high 17β-estradiol (E2) levels with modulation of specific ion transporters expression. Herein we determined the effect of E2 on the expression/functionality of SLC4 family bicarbonate transporters in rat Sertoli cells (SCs). All studied transporters [anion exchanger 2 (AE2), Na(+)-driven Cl(-)/HCO3 (-) exchanger (NDCBE), electrogenic Na(+)/HCO3 (-) co-transporters (NBCe1), and electroneutral Na(+)/HCO3 (-) co-transporters (NBCn1)] were identified in SCs, being AE2 and NBCn1 the most abundant. In E2-treated cells (100 nM), increases in AE2 and NBCn1 protein levels were observed, as well as altered transcellular transport. E2-treated SCs presented a significant perturbation of ATP-induced short-circuit current. This alteration was concurrent with augmented AE2 and NBCn1 levels. Overall, we report a relation between increased E2 levels and the expression/function of AE2 and NBCn1 in rat SCs, providing new evidence on the mechanisms by which E2 can regulate SCs physiology and consequently spermatogenesis, with direct influence on male reproductive potential.
Keywords: Bicarbonate transporters; Estrogens; Male fertility; SLC4 family; Sertoli cells.