Immunohistochemical Localization of Androgen, Meletonin and Glucocorticoid Receptors in the Testis of Indian Pygmy Field Mouse Mus terricolor

Testosterone, melatonin and glucocorticoids are known to mediate their actions through their respective receptors, i.e., Androgen Receptor (AR), Melatonin Receptor (MT1) and Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR), endowed on the target tissues. The gonads of M. terricolor responded positively to administration of these hormones, suggesting the possibility of a direct action of these hormones on the gonads through their respective receptors. The present study was, therefore, undertaken to localize the Androgen (AR), Melatonin (MT1) and Glucocorticoid (GR) receptors in the testis of this rodent adopting immunohistochemistry as the tool. The result indicated that AR is expressed in the Leydig cells and germ cells of the testis of M. terricolor. MT1 receptor is localized in the Leydig cells, peritubular myoid cells, and endothelial lining of blood vessels, all in the interstitial zone. The GR was localized in the nuclei of Leydig cells, macrophages and fibroblasts, and endothelial cells lining the blood vessels, all in the interstitium. The immunohistochemical localization of AR, MT1 and GR receptors in the testes of M. terricolor support the previous understanding that testis could be a target for the above-mentioned hormones in this rodent.