Differential role of the estrogen receptors ESR1 and ESR2 on the regulation of proteins involved with proliferation and differentiation of Sertoli cells from 15-day-old rats.

•Estrogen via ESR1 and ESR2, respectively, regulates inducers and inhibitors of Sertoli cell cycle.•Estrogen via ESR2 increases the transcription factors involved with Sertoli cell differentiation.•The ratio of ESR1/ESR2 expression in Sertoli cells is one of the major determinants of the response to estrogen.•Estrogen plays a role for normal testis development and homeostasis.