Delineating the role of estrogen in regulating epididymal gene expression.

Maturation of sperm within the epididymis is a pre-requisite for fertilization in mammals. Epididymal function is controlled by a complex array of hormones and growth factors. While testosterone is the primary stimulus for epididymal development and sperm maturation, the importance of estrogen effects on efferent ductules has been increasingly recognized, and points to a need to clarify the role of estrogen receptor-mediated action in the epididymis. Estrogens modulate the expression of genes involved in fluid absorption in the efferent ductules and the epididymis. The present review highlights the role of estrogen in regulation of epididymal gene expression.