Leydig cell resistance to the cytotoxic effect of ethylene dimethanesulphonate in the adult rat testis

1985 ◽  
Vol 105 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-NP ◽  
Author(s):  
I. D. Morris
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Vesicle ◽  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Serum Testosterone ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Cell Physiology ◽  
Testis Weight ◽  
Endocrine Activity ◽  
Adult Rat ◽  
Seminal Vesicle Weight

ABSTRACT Weekly doses of the Leydig cell cytotoxic ethylene dimethanesulphonate (EDS) were administered to adult male rats in an attempt to study the endocrine activity of the testis in the absence of Leydig cells. One week after the first dose serum testosterone and LH concentrations and seminal vesicle weights were close to levels in castrated rats and testicular human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) binding was severely depressed. These changes were maintained for a further week but subsequently began to return to, but did not achieve, control levels. After six weekly doses seminal vesicle weight and serum testosterone concentrations were significantly higher than in the castrated rats. Serum LH concentrations were declining towards control values at 4 weeks but had risen again at 6 weeks. Serum FSH concentrations were raised to about 50% of the value in castrated rats throughout the period studied. Testis weight and hCG binding, which initially fell, were partially restored at 6 weeks and spermatogenesis was recovering. The data show that responses of the testis to multiple doses of EDS are similar to those after a single dose. This apparent resistance indicates that the regenerating Leydig cells are functionally different from the mature Leydig cell. The similarities between the maturing Leydig cell seen after EDS destruction and those in the immature rat suggest that EDS will provide a valuable model for the investigation of Leydig cell physiology. J. Endocr. (1985) 105, 311–316

Acute and short-term actions of serotonin administration on the pituitary-testicular axis in the adult rat

1995 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 1101 ◽  
Author(s):  
MP Hedger ◽  
S Khatab ◽  
G Gonzales ◽  
Kretser DM de
Keyword(s):  
Serum Testosterone ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Significant Inhibition ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Testis Weight ◽  
Serum Concentrations ◽  
Adult Rat ◽  
Serum Lh ◽  
A Minor

In this study, adult male rats were injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5HT; 10 mg kg-1 bodyweight) for 2 h or 18 h, or daily with graded doses of 5HT (0.1-10 mg kg-1) for four days before being killed. Serum and testicular interstitial fluid (IF) concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone and immunoreactive-inhibin were measured by radioimmunoassay, and one testis was removed for histological examination. At 2 h after a single injection, 5HT caused a significant inhibition of serum concentrations of LH and inhibin, recovered IF volume and intratesticular testosterone concentrations; testis weight and serum concentrations of testosterone and FSH were unaffected. At 18 h after injection, all parameters had returned to normal, with the exception of intratesticular testosterone concentration which remained lower than normal. The lowest 5HT dose (0.1 mg kg-1) had no effect on any parameter following four daily injections. At a dose of 1.0 mg kg-1 5HT, there was a four-fold increase in the concentration of serum LH, but testis weight, recovered IF volume, testosterone and inhibin concentrations and serum concentrations of FSH were not significantly affected. At the highest dose of 5HT (10 mg kg-1) after four daily injections, testis weight decreased, and IF volume increased nearly three-fold. Testis concentrations of inhibin and serum testosterone were reduced, whereas serum concentrations of both LH and FSH were elevated; intratesticular testosterone concentrations did not differ from controls. Only at the highest dose of 5HT was disruption to the seminiferous epithelium observed, with focal damage ranging in severity from increased degeneration of spermatogenic cell profiles, to complete loss of the germinal epithelium; however, many tubule profiles displayed completely normal spermatogenesis. The acute IF volume reduction and spermatogenic disruption in 5HT-treated rats were consistent with localized ischaemia due to constriction of the testicular arterial supply. The eventual increase in IF volume observed after 5HT treatment appeared to be secondary to the loss of germ cells. Although 5HT also inhibited pituitary LH release and Leydig cell steroidogenesis, these effects appeared to play only a minor role in the induction of spermatogenic damage.

INFLUENCE OF VARIOUS STEROIDS ON TESTES AND ACCESSORY SEX ORGANS IN THE RAT

1965 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred A. Kind ◽  
M. Maqueo ◽  
Ralph I. Dorfman
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Vesicle ◽  
Treatment Period ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Testicular Atrophy ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Ventral Prostate ◽  
Testis Weight ◽  
Intact Male ◽  
Seminal Vesicle Weight ◽  
Testicular Histology

ABSTRACT Various neutral steroids were studied in intact male rats for their ability to influence testicular function, particularly spermatogenesis. The compounds were injected once daily for 21 days, starting at 21 days of age. One day after the last injection, testicular histology and testis, ventral prostate, and seminal vesicle weights were determined. In some experiments, after the standard 21 day treatment period, testicular histology and function were evaluated after 30 and 60 day post-treatment recovery periods. 2α-Hydroxymethyl-17β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-3-one, 2-hydroxy-5α-androst-2-en-17β-ol, 2,17α-dimethyl-5α-androst-2-en-17β-ol and 2-formyl5α-androst-2-en-17β-ol caused decreases in testicular, ventral prostate and seminal vesicle weight and produced arrest of spermatogenesis. These effects were reversible and testis weight and histology, as well as fertility, were restored in the post-treatment period. 19-Norprogesterone, which did not produce convincing testicular atrophy, did cause significant decreases in ventral prostate and seminal vesicle weight. Chlormadinone showed a similar picture, although direct antagonistic testicular effects were also seen. The lowered ventral prostate and seminal vesicle weights produced by these compounds may be an expression of their antiandrogenic activity.

Effects of recombinant human FSH in immature hypophysectomized male rats: evidence for Leydig cell-mediated action on spermatogenesis

1994 ◽  
Vol 141 (3) ◽  
pp. 449-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Matikainen ◽  
J Toppari ◽  
K K Vihko ◽  
I Huhtaniemi
Keyword(s):  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Serum Testosterone ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Spermatogenic Cells ◽  
Hypophysectomized Rats ◽  
First Time ◽  
Recombinant Human Fsh

Abstract The mode of FSH actions within the testis was studied in immature hypophysectomized male rats by treatment with recombinant human FSH (recFSH, Org 32489). To elucidate the involvement of Leydig cells and androgens in the maintenance of spermatogenesis in FSH-treated hypophysectomized rats further, the recFSH treatment was given both alone and after destruction of Leydig cells with ethane-1,2-dimethane sulphonate (EDS). Three days after hypophysectomy (at 31 days of age) the rats were given one i.p. injection of vehicle or EDS and, 4 days later, they were implanted with osmotic minipumps releasing either 0·9% (w/v) NaCl or 1 IU recFSH/day. Recombinant FSH alone increased testicular weights 2·5-fold in 7 days (P<0·01). The effect of FSH was similar in EDS-pretreated rats (P<0·01). Testicular testosterone increased from 6·5 ± 1·6 to 16·9 ± 5·3 (s.e.m.) pmol/g tissue (P<0·05) and serum testosterone from 0·12 ± 0·02 to 0·22 ± 0·03 nmol/l (P<0·05) when the rats were treated with recFSH. EDS alone did not affect testicular testosterone but, when combined with recFSH, it totally abolished the stimulatory effect of FSH on testosterone. Testicular binding of 125I-labelled iodo human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and 125I-labelled iodo recFSH was increased 2·5- and 2·1-fold respectively with recFSH treatment (P<0·01). EDS, either alone or with FSH, abolished specific testicular hCG binding (P<0·01), but had no effect on that of recFSH. However, FSH increased its own receptors only in animals not treated with EDS. Histological analysis of the testes revealed that the diameters of the seminiferous tubules increased from 115 ± 6·1 to 160 ± 7·2 μm (P<0·05) with recFSH, and a comparable increase was observed when EDS treatment preceded that of recFSH (143 ± 1·5 μm, P<0·05 vs. controls). Quantification of the spermatogenic cells indicated that recFSH supported the progression of spermatogenesis, as shown by increased number of meiotic and haploid spermatogenic cells (P<0·05). In all EDS-treated animals, spermatogenesis was severely disturbed and only a few spermatids were seen. In conclusion: (1) these results further support the suggestion that FSH has indirect stimulatory effects on Leydig cell function, (2) the completion of meiosis and spermiogenesis are supported by FSH, the effect of which is enhanced by the presence of Leydig cells, suggesting its dependence on androgens, and (3) we show for the first time that FSH is able to stimulate its own receptors only in the presence of Leydig cell-derived factors, probably androgens. Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 141, 449–457

Leydig cell recovery following a second challenge with ethane-1,2-dimethanesulphonate is enhanced by short intervals between cytotoxin administration to rats

1989 ◽  
Vol 123 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Edwards ◽  
R. Lendon ◽  
I. D. Morris
Keyword(s):  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Serum Testosterone ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Cell Recovery ◽  
Cytotoxic Effects ◽  
Adult Rat ◽  
Vitro Binding

ABSTRACT Ethane-1,2-dimethanesulphonate (EDS) destroys Leydig cells in the testis of the adult rat and subsequently a new population of Leydig cells develops. It has been reported that EDS is not cytocidal to the new immature Leydig cell population. In the present study, the effect of increasing the time-interval between injections of EDS on cytotoxicity to Leydig cells was examined. At time-intervals of 4–10 weeks between injections the response was similar to that seen after a single injection of EDS to the adult rat. Four days after the second injection, EDS was found to reduce substantially serum testosterone concentrations and in-vitro binding of 125I-labelled human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) to testicular LH receptors which can be correlated with Leydig cell destruction. However, when the interval was only 2 or 3 weeks there was no reduction in serum testosterone, and 125I-labelled hCG binding was not so markedly reduced. During days 1–6 after a second injection of EDS, administered 3 weeks after the first, there were marked reductions in serum testosterone concentrations and in 125I-labelled hCG binding to testis homogenates within 24 h. Recovery from the effects of EDS was rapid, and increased Leydig cell activity was seen from 2 to 6 days after injection. In contrast to the established changes in the adult rat, there was only a 50% reduction in the number of Leydig cells positive for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 days after the second injection of EDS, and after 6 days the number of cells had increased. These experiments show that the immature Leydig cell of the rat is sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of EDS but that the temporal changes in Leydig cell activity after EDS treatment are different in developing and mature Leydig cell populations. The data are consistent with the view that EDS is preferentially cytotoxic towards steroidogenically active Leydig cells, allowing the resident population of precursor cells to continue to respond to the prevailing homeostatic mechanisms. Journal of Endocrinology (1989) 123, 197–203

Inhibition of testicular and somatic development after treatment of the postnatal rat with the Leydig cell cytotoxic ethylene dimethanesulphonate

1988 ◽  
Vol 119 (3) ◽  
pp. 467-NP ◽  
Author(s):  
I. D. Morris ◽  
R. G. Lendon ◽  
A. Zaidi
Keyword(s):  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Serum Testosterone ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Interstitial Tissue ◽  
Somatic Development ◽  
Serum Lh ◽  
Loss Of Weight

ABSTRACT The Leydig cell cytotoxic ethylene dimethanesulphonate (EDS) was administered s.c. daily (50 mg/kg) to male rats aged 5–16 days. Apart from loss of weight and that the eyelids unfused earlier, no gross toxicity was observed during treatment. On day 17 testis weights, serum testosterone concentrations, testicular serum testosterone content and 125I-labelled human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) binding to testicular homogenates were reduced. Serum LH and FSH concentrations were elevated. The testes did not recover from EDS treatment and at 63 and 120 days were minute (<2% of control), and the prostate and seminal vesicles were small although not completely atrophied. In addition, body weights were substantially reduced. Serum and testicular testosterone and 125I-labelled hCG binding to testicular homogenates were reduced but not absent. Serum LH and FSH concentrations were increased. Light microscopy of the adult testes showed that EDS treatment inhibited the development of the seminiferous tubules. Most of the tubules were devoid of germ cells and Sertoli cells were rare. Occasionally tubules also contained spermatogonia and spermatocytes but no signs of spermiogenesis. The testes were composed mainly of closely packed interstitial tissue with no lymphatic space. The interstitial cells resembled Leydig cells and stained for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Histochemically identified Leydig cells were absent during treatment but reappeared when treatment was withdrawn. Testicular Leydig cell numbers were only 7% of control values in the 63-day-old EDS-treated rat. The effect on the testis of EDS treatment administered at a crucial time of testicular development may be explained by withdrawal of androgen; however, the systemic effects indicate non-specific toxicity so any explanation of these changes must be viewed with caution. J. Endocr. (1988) 119, 467–474

scholarly journals Effects of Osteocalcin on Synthesis of Testosterone and INSL3 during Adult Leydig Cell Differentiation

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gulfidan Coskun ◽  
Leman Sencar ◽  
Abdullah Tuli ◽  
Dilek Saker ◽  
Mustafa Muhlis Alparslan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Metabolism ◽  
Postnatal Development ◽  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Gnrh Antagonist ◽  
Serum Testosterone ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Adult Leydig Cells

Proliferation and differentiation of adult Leydig cells are mainly completed in puberty. In many studies, apart from normal postnatal development process, it is widely indicated that, through administrating EDS, Leydig cell population is eliminated and regenerated. It is believed that osteocalcin released from osteoblasts, which is responsible for modulating bone metabolism, induces testosterone production in Leydig cells, independent of the HPG axis. In addition, INSL3 produced by Leydig cells, such as testosterone, plays a critical role in bone metabolism and is known to reflect the development process and functional capacities of Leydig cells. This study is aimed at investigating OC-mediated testosterone regulation and INSL3 synthesis during differentiation of adult Leydig cells that are independent of LH. For this purpose, male rats were divided into 2 groups: prepubertal normal rats and adult EDS-injected rats. Each group was divided into 4 subgroups in which GnRH antagonist or OC was applied. After adult Leydig cells completed their development, testicular tissue samples obtained from the sacrificed rats were examined by light-electron microscopic, immunohistochemical, and biochemical methods. Slight upregulation in 3βHSD, INSL3, and GPRC6A expressions along with the increase in serum testosterone levels was observed in groups treated with osteocalcin against GnRH antagonist. In addition, biochemical and microscopic findings in osteocalcin treated groups were similar to those in control groups. While there was no significant difference in the number of Leydig cells reported, the presence of a significant upregulation in INSL3 and GPRC6A expressions and the increase in serum testosterone and ucOC levels were observed. After evaluation of findings altogether, it is put forward that, for the first time in this study, although osteocalcin treatment made no significant difference in the number of Leydig cells, it increased the level of testosterone through improving the function of existing adult Leydig cells during normal postnatal development process and post-EDS regeneration. This positive correlation between osteocalcin-testosterone and osteocalcin-INSL3 is concluded to be independent of LH at in vivo conditions.

scholarly journals Characteristic of Leydig cells from newborn offspring of female rats with experimental type 1 diabetes

2019 ◽  
pp. 105-109
Author(s):  
Г.В. Брюхин ◽  
С.Д. Антонов
Keyword(s):  
Type 1 Diabetes ◽  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Interstitial Tissue ◽  
Testis Weight ◽  
Experimental Type

Цель исследования - анализ содержания и субпопуляционного состава клеток Лейдига у потомства самок крыс «Вистар» экспериментальным сахарным диабетом 1 типа в период новорождённости. Методика. Исследования выполнены на белых крысах - самках «Вистар» и их потомстве в возрасте 1 сут. У взрослых половозрелых самок моделировали стрептозотоциновый сахарный диабет 1 типа. Изучены морфофункциональные особенности эндокринных клеток семенников у потомства самок крыс с экспериментальным диабетом 1 типа в ранний неонатальный период. Определяли площадь интерстициальной соединительной ткани семенников, число активных и неактивных эндокриноцитов, вычисляли индекс активности клеток Лейдига, расчитывали коэффициент, отражающий отношение числа клеток Лейдига к суммарному содержанию сперматогенных клеток, а также коэффициент, отражающий отношение суммарного количества интерстициальных гландулоцитов к содержанию сустентоцитов. Результаты. Показано, что у подопытных крысят снижена абсолютная масса семенника и его весовой индекс, увеличена площадь стромы, изменено количество клеток Лейдига и их субпопуляционный состав и, как следствие, изменен индекс активности этих клеток. Выявлено существенное снижение у подопытных животных отношения числа клеток Лейдига к содержанию клеток Сертоли, между которыми существуют определенные паракринные взаимоотношения. Заключение. Выявленные изменения могут являться одной из возможных причин нарушения сперматогенного цикла у потомства самок крыс с экспериментальным сахарным диабетом 1 типа. Numerous clinical observations have shown that maternal diabetes adversely affects pregnancy and childbirth as well as the development and condition of the fetus. These women often give birth to children with signs of diabetic fetopathy. However, the effect of type 1 diabetes mellitus on morphology and function of the male offspring reproductive system is still understudied. The aim of the study was evaluating morpho-functional characteristics of Leydig cells in newborn offspring of female rats with experimental type 1 diabetes. Methods. Experiments were performed on Wistar female rats and their one-day offspring. Type 1 diabetes mellitus was modelled in adult, sexually mature females using streptozotocin. Morpho-functional features of testicular endocrine cells were studied in the offspring of female rats with experimental type 1 diabetes in the early neonatal period. The following indexes were determined: area of testicular interstitial tissue; number of active and inactive endocrinocytes; Leydig cell activity index; the ratio of Leydig cells number to the total number of spermatogenic cells; and the ratio of total number of interstitial glandulocytes to the number of sustentocytes. Results. The offspring of experimental rats had a decreased absolute testis weight and testis weight index; an increased area of interstitial tissue; changes in the count of Leydig cells and their subpopulation composition and resultant changes in the Leydig cell activity index. The ratio of Leydig cell number to Sertoli cell number, which are characterized with paracrine interrelations, was decreased. Conclusion. The found changes may underlie disorders of the spermatogenic cycle in the offspring of female rats with experimental type 1 diabetes.

248. Oestrogen receptor beta is involved in the regulation of Leydig cell number in the mouse

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 99
Author(s):  
M. Gould ◽  
H. D. Nicholson
Keyword(s):  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Oestrogen Receptor ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Testis Weight ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Receptor Beta

Recent evidence suggests that oestrogen plays a physiological role in the testis. Both oestrogen receptor alpha and oestrogen receptor beta (ERb) are present in the testis and administration of oestrogen has been shown to inhibit the development of Sertoli, Leydig and germ cells. This study investigates the effect of ERb on the testis using ERb knockout mice (bERKO). Adult male bERKO mice (n=8) and their wild-type littermates (n=7) were killed at 11 weeks postpartum. One testis from each animal was fixed in Bouin’s fluid and embedded. Each testis was fractionated and thick sections cut and stained with PAS. The optical disector method was used to count the number of Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids in each testis. Trunk blood was collected and plasma testosterone concentrations measured by radioimmunoassay. No significant differences in body or testis weight were seen between the bERKO or wild-type mice. Similar numbers of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids were also observed between the two groups. The number of Leydig cells was significantly increased in bERKO mice compared with their wild-type littermates (P < 0.05). Despite the increased number of Leydig cells in the bERKO mice there was no significant difference in plasma testosterone concentrations in this group compared to the wild-type mice. Oestrogen has been reported to inhibit proliferation of adult-type Leydig cells and to inhibit steroidogenesis. This study suggests that the regulation of Leydig cell proliferation may be mediated by ERb. The presence of normal circulating testosterone concentrations in bERKO mice suggests that the effects of oestrogen on steroidogenesis are not brought about by ERbeta.

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