Trimethyltin (TMT) Reduces Testosterone Production in Adult Leydig Cells in Rats

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 493-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derong Ma ◽  
Nengqin Luo ◽  
Guoqiang Xue
Keyword(s):  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
Cell Number ◽  
Severe Toxicity ◽  
Testosterone Production ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
Adult Leydig Cells ◽  
Stimulating Hormone

Trimethyltin (TMT) is widely used as a plastic heat stabilizer and can cause severe toxicity. Here, the effects of TMT on testosterone production by adult Leydig cells and the related mechanisms of action were investigated. Eighteen adult male Sprague Dawley rats (56 days old) were randomly divided into 3 groups and given intraperitoneal injection of TMT for 21 consecutive days at the doses of 0 (vehicle control), 5, or 10 mg/kg/d. After treatment, trunk blood was collected for hormonal analysis. In addition, related gene and protein expression in testes was detected. At 10 mg/kg, TMT significantly reduced serum testosterone levels but increased serum luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. The messenger RNA and protein levels of luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cytochrome P450 17-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor, and SRY box 9 were significantly lower in the TMT-treated testes than in controls. Immunohistochemical study showed that TMT decreased adult Leydig cell number. In conclusion, these findings indicate that TMT reduced adult Leydig cell testosterone production in vivo by directly downregulating the expression of steroidogenic enzymes and decreasing adult Leydig cell number in the testis.

scholarly journals Interleukin-1alpha stimulates steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression via p38 MAP kinase in immature rat Leydig cells

2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Svechnikov ◽  
DM Stocco ◽  
O Soder
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Map Kinase ◽  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
P38 Map Kinase ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Star Protein ◽  
Adult Leydig Cells ◽  
Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory

We have investigated the involvement of the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein in interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha)-induced steroidogenesis in immature (40-day-old) and adult Leydig cells in vitro. Further, IL-1alpha-mediated signaling pathway(s) controlling StAR expression in immature Leydig cells were also studied. IL-1alpha stimulated both androgen production and StAR protein expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner in immature but not adult Leydig cells. These effects of IL-1alpha were prevented by pretreatment of the cells with the specific inhibitors of the p38 MAP kinase, SB203580 and PD169316, suggesting that this kinase is an important part of IL-1alpha signaling in the immature Leydig cell. The present results suggest that IL-1alpha, which is constitutively produced by the rat testis from postnatal day 25, is an important paracrine regulator of postnatal Leydig cell maturation. Regulation of StAR protein expression is one of the possible mechanisms by which IL-1alpha contributes to the differentiation of immature Leydig cells into adult cells.

scholarly journals Effect of Glutathione Depletion on Leydig Cell Steroidogenesis in Young and Old Brown Norway Rats

Endocrinology ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 149 (5) ◽  
pp. 2612-2619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haolin Chen ◽  
Angela S. Pechenino ◽  
June Liu ◽  
Matthew C. Beattie ◽  
Terry R. Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
Glutathione Depletion ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Brown Norway ◽  
Causative Role ◽  
Testosterone Production ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Norway Rats

Changes in the oxidant/antioxidant environment of aging Leydig cells have been shown to be correlated with the reduced ability of these cells to produce testosterone. With this in mind, we hypothesized that the experimental depletion of glutathione (GSH), an abundant Leydig cell intracellular antioxidant, might result in reduced testosterone production. Incubation of Leydig cells isolated from the testes of adult Brown Norway rats with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) reduced GSH content by more than 70% and testosterone production by about 40%. The antioxidants vitamin E, N-tert-butyl-α-phenylnitrone and Trolox countered BSO’s effect on steroidogenesis but not on GSH depletion. Together, BSO and glutathione ethyl ester maintained intracellular GSH and also testosterone production, whereas 1,2-dithiole-3-thione, which increases intracellular GSH, increased testosterone production. In vivo studies also were conducted. Young (4 month old) and old (24 month old) rats were injected with BSO twice a day for 7 d, after which Leydig cells were isolated and analyzed in vitro. BSO treatment reduced Leydig cell GSH content by 70% and the ability of the Leydig cells to produce testosterone by more than 50%. As with aging, decreases were seen in LH-stimulated cAMP production, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cholesterol side-chain cleavage, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase. The results of these studies, taken together, are consistent with the hypothesis that alteration in the oxidant/antioxidant environment may play a significant, causative role in the age-related reduced ability of Leydig cells to produce testosterone.

scholarly journals The Leydig Cell MEK/ERK Pathway Is Critical for Maintaining a Functional Population of Adult Leydig Cells and for Fertility

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 1211-1222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soichi Yamashita ◽  
Ping Tai ◽  
Jean Charron ◽  
CheMyong Ko ◽  
Mario Ascoli
Keyword(s):  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Erk Pathway ◽  
Adult Leydig Cells

Endocrine and local testicular regulation

2011 ◽  
pp. 1347-1353
Author(s):  
Ilpo Huhtaniemi
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factors ◽  
Luteinizing Hormone ◽  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Regulatory System ◽  
The Other ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testicular Function ◽  
Cell Product ◽  
Stimulating Hormone

The testis has two functions, androgen production and spermatogenesis, and a key role in their regulation is played by the two pituitary gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Other hormones and growth factors also influence testicular function, often by modulating the gonadotropin effects. Moreover, a plethora of local paracrine and autocrine signals within the testis are known. The main testicular hormone, testosterone, a Leydig cell product, regulates spermatogenesis in seminiferous tubules in paracrine fashion. The other functions of testosterone are endocrine, occurring outside the testis. This chapter summarizes the main hormonal regulatory system of the testis, the hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular axis, and how its effects are modulated by other extratesticular hormones and local testicular factors.

Age-related changes in human Leydig cell status

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 2663-2676
Author(s):  
Valentina Mularoni ◽  
Valentina Esposito ◽  
Sara Di Persio ◽  
Elena Vicini ◽  
Gustavo Spadetta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Cell Number ◽  
Organ Donors ◽  
Steroidogenic Enzymes ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Range

Abstract STUDY QUESTION What are the consequences of ageing on human Leydig cell number and hormonal function? SUMMARY ANSWER Leydig cell number significantly decreases in parallel with INSL3 expression and Sertoli cell number in aged men, yet the in vitro Leydig cell androgenic potential does not appear to be compromised by advancing age. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY There is extensive evidence that ageing is accompanied by decline in serum testosterone levels, a general involution of testis morphology and reduced spermatogenic function. A few studies have previously addressed single features of the human aged testis phenotype one at a time, but mostly in tissue from patients with prostate cancer. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This comprehensive study examined testis morphology, Leydig cell and Sertoli cell number, steroidogenic enzyme expression, INSL3 expression and androgen secretion by testicular fragments in vitro. The majority of these endpoints were concomitantly evaluated in the same individuals that all displayed complete spermatogenesis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Testis biopsies were obtained from 15 heart beating organ donors (age range: 19–85 years) and 24 patients (age range: 19–45 years) with complete spermatogenesis. Leydig cells and Sertoli cells were counted following identification by immunohistochemical staining of specific cell markers. Gene expression analysis of INSL3 and steroidogenic enzymes was carried out by qRT-PCR. Secretion of 17-OH-progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione and testosterone by in vitro cultured testis fragments was measured by LC-MS/MS. All endpoints were analysed in relation to age. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Increasing age was negatively associated with Leydig cell number (R = −0.49; P < 0.01) and concomitantly with the Sertoli cell population size (R= −0.55; P < 0.001). A positive correlation (R = 0.57; P < 0.001) between Sertoli cell and Leydig cell numbers was detected at all ages, indicating that somatic cell attrition is a relevant cellular manifestation of human testis status during ageing. INSL3 mRNA expression (R= −0.52; P < 0.05) changed in parallel with Leydig cell number and age. Importantly, steroidogenic capacity of Leydig cells in cultured testis tissue fragments from young and old donors did not differ. Consistently, age did not influence the mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes. The described changes in Leydig cell phenotype with ageing are strengthened by the fact that the different age-related effects were mostly evaluated in tissue from the same men. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In vitro androgen production analysis could not be correlated with in vivo hormone values of the organ donors. In addition, the number of samples was relatively small and there was scarce information about the concomitant presence of potential confounding variables. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study provides a novel insight into the effects of ageing on human Leydig cell status. The correlation between Leydig cell number and Sertoli cell number at any age implies a connection between these two cell types, which may be of particular relevance in understanding male reproductive disorders in the elderly. However aged Leydig cells do not lose their in vitro ability to produce androgens. Our data have implications in the understanding of the physiological role and regulation of intratesticular sex steroid levels during the complex process of ageing in humans. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by grants from Prin 2010 and 2017. The authors have no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.

scholarly journals Mumps Virus Decreases Testosterone Production and Gamma Interferon-Induced Protein 10 Secretion by Human Leydig Cells

2003 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. 3297-3300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronan Le Goffic ◽  
Thomas Mouchel ◽  
Annick Ruffault ◽  
Jean-Jacques Patard ◽  
Bernard Jégou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cultures ◽  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Mumps Virus ◽  
Gamma Interferon ◽  
Testosterone Secretion ◽  
Testosterone Production

ABSTRACT Mumps virus is responsible for sterility. Here, we show that the mumps virus infects Leydig cells in vitro and totally inhibits testosterone secretion and that ribavirin in mumps virus-infected Leydig cell cultures completely restores testosterone production. Moreover, we show that gamma interferon-induced protein 10 (IP-10) is highly expressed by mumps virus-infected Leydig cells and that ribavirin does not block IP-10 production.

Increase in Leydig cell responsiveness in the unilaterally cryptorchid rat testis and its relationship to the intratesticular levels of testosterone

1984 ◽  
Vol 102 (3) ◽  
pp. 319-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. Sharpe ◽  
I. Cooper ◽  
D. G. Doogan
Keyword(s):  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Cell Interaction ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Similar Reduction ◽  
Testosterone Production ◽  
Lh Releasing Hormone ◽  
Unilateral Cryptorchidism

ABSTRACT Adult rats were made unilaterally cryptorchid (UCD) and 6–7 weeks later Leydig cells were isolated from the scrotal and abdominal testes and their capacity to secrete testosterone in vitro was compared. Basal testosterone production by Leydig cells from the abdominal testes of UCD rats was lowered, compared with cells from the contralateral scrotal testes, whilst their responsiveness to both human chorionic gonadotrophin and an LH releasing hormone agonist was enhanced two- to threefold (P< 0·001) compared both with cells from the contralateral scrotal testes and with cells isolated from untreated rats of the same age. In the UCD rats, concentrations of testosterone in testicular interstitial fluid (IF) were reduced (P< 0·001) by 70–90% in abdominal, compared with scrotal, testes. A similar reduction was evident in the levels of testosterone in spermatic venous blood, and both this decrease and that in IF levels of testosterone varied according to the degree of testicular involution. The ontogeny of the above changes was investigated. After induction of unilateral cryptorchidism, the weight of the abdominal compared with the scrotal testis declined slowly, such that by day 5 there was only a 25% reduction in weight compared with a 70% reduction by day 40. In contrast, the levels of testosterone in IF from abdominal testes declined rapidly, such that by day 5 an 80% reduction was attained, compared with scrotal testes, with little further change by day 40. Hormone-stimulated testosterone production by Leydig cells isolated from the abdominal testes was unchanged or marginally reduced over the first 3 days compared with cells from the scrotal testes, but by day 5 there was a significant increase in responsiveness; this increase was of smaller magnitude than that evident at day 40. These results suggest a possible association between the fall in intratesticular levels of testosterone induced by unilateral cryptorchidism and the Leydig cell hypertrophy and hyper-responsiveness that occurs in the same testes. The implications with respect to altered Sertoli–Leydig cell interaction are discussed. J. Endocr. (1984) 102, 319–327

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