Studies on the testicular source of inhibin and its route of secretion in rams: failure of the Leydig cell to secrete inhibin in response to a human chorionic gonadotrophin/LH stimulus

1991 ◽  
Vol 130 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. Tilbrook ◽  
D. M. de Kretser ◽  
I. J. Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Jugular Vein ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Spermatic Vein ◽  
Jugular Veins ◽  
Testicular Vein ◽  
Peripheral Plasma

ABSTRACT To determine whether Leydig cells produce inhibin in the ram, Leydig cells were stimulated by administering human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) or raising the levels of endogenous LH by an injection of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH). Plasma concentrations of testosterone increased in the 72 h after either a single injection (P < 0·05) or two injections (P < 0·01) of hCG. Plasma concentrations of inhibin were not significantly influenced by either one or two injections of hCG. Administration of GnRH (1 μg) caused an 11-fold increase in plasma concentrations of LH but did not influence concentrations of inhibin in either the jugular or testicular veins (pampiniform plexus). In contrast, concentrations of testosterone were increased by about fourfold in both jugular (P < 0·01) and testicular (P < 0·05) veins. The concentrations of inhibin in the testicular vein were 1·3-fold higher than in the peripheral plasma (P < 0·05) both before and following treatment with GnRH whereas the concentrations of testosterone were 18- to 21-fold greater than in peripheral concentrations. In view of the difference in concentrations of inhibin between testicular and jugular veins, in a further experiment a sample was taken from the jugular vein, a vein located in the tunica vasculosa of the testis (testicular vein) and from a vein (spermatic vein) and lymph vessels located in the spermatic cord. The mean (± s.e.m.) concentrations of inhibin were highest in the testicular lymph (45·93±4·21 μg/l; P < 0·001) compared with the peripheral (4·14±0·31 μg/l), spermatic (8·0±1·17 μg/l) or testicular (6·4±0·82 μg/l) plasma. Plasma concentrations of inhibin were significantly higher in the spermatic vein than in the testicular vein (P < 0·05) and jugular vein (P < 0·01), and concentrations of inhibin in the testicular vein were significantly (P < 0·05) higher than in the jugular vein. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of testosterone in the spermatic vein, testicular vein or testicular lymph but the concentrations of testosterone in the peripheral plasma were significantly (P < 0·05) less than in the testicular plasma or lymph. These results suggest that, in the ram, the Leydig cell does not respond to hCG or endogenous LH by secreting inhibin or by influencing other cells within the testis to secrete inhibin within the time-frame of these experiments. The low testicular to jugular differences in the concentration of inhibin and the high concentrations of inhibin in the testicular lymph suggest that the lymph may be an important route of secretion of inhibin from the testis in the ram. Journal of Endocrinology (1991) 130, 107–114

Proliferation and differentiation of possible Leydig cell precursors after destruction of the existing Leydig cells with ethane dimethyl sulphonate: the role of LH/human chorionic gonadotrophin

1989 ◽  
Vol 122 (3) ◽  
pp. 689-NP ◽  
Author(s):  
K. J. Teerds ◽  
D. G. de Rooij ◽  
F. F. G. Rommerts ◽  
R. van den Hurk ◽  
C. J. G. Wensing
Keyword(s):  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Proliferative Activity ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Precursor Cells ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Proliferation And Differentiation ◽  
Endocrine Factors

ABSTRACT The influence of LH levels on the proliferation and differentiation of possible Leydig cell precursors was investigated in adult rats, after the destruction of the existing Leydig cells with the cytotoxic drug ethane dimethyl sulphonate (EDS). In rats bearing a testosterone implant which prevented the rise in plasma LH levels and kept them within the normal range after the destruction of the Leydig cells, the proliferative activity of possible Leydig cell precursors still increased seven- to eightfold 2 days after EDS administration. Apparently, in this situation, locally produced factors, and not LH, may play a role in the stimulation of proliferation. The proliferative activity of the possible precursor cells could be further stimulated by treating rats with daily injections of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) following EDS administration. It was concluded that the proliferative activity of possible Leydig cell precursors is probably regulated by both paracrine and endocrine factors. Almost no Leydig cells were formed in the rats bearing a testosterone implant during the first 4 weeks after EDS administration. When these rats were treated with hCG, starting 28 days after administration of EDS, a substantial number of Leydig cells was found after 2 days, and these cells also showed 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and α-naphtyl esterase (α-NE) activity. When hCG treatment was started at 14 or 21 days after EDS administration, some cells with the nuclear characteristics of Leydig cells were present after 2 days, but no 3β-HSD or α-NE activity could be detected. Finally, when hCG treatment was started directly after EDS administration, a considerable number of Leydig cells was found 14 days after EDS, and some of these cells already showed 3β-HSD and α-NE activity. It is concluded that precursor cells are able to develop into advanced precursor cells at normal LH levels, and that the rate of development of new Leydig cells strongly depends upon LH/hCG levels. Journal of Endocrinology (1989) 122, 689–696

Effects of hypophysectomy and human chorionic gonadotrophin on Leydig cell function in mature rats

1990 ◽  
Vol 126 (3) ◽  
pp. 367-NP ◽  
Author(s):  
D. M. Stocco ◽  
K. J. Teerds ◽  
M. van Noort ◽  
F. F. G. Rommerts
Keyword(s):  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Complete Restoration ◽  
Hypophysectomized Rats

ABSTRACT The biochemical activities involved in the maintenance of Leydig cell functions, and the effects of hypophysectomy and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) on these functions are largely unknown. In the present study, adult hypophysectomized rats were used as a model to determine the effects of these treatments on a number of biochemical and morphological parameters. After 33 days of hypophysectomy, the morphology of the Leydig cells had been drastically altered. In addition, α-naphthol and β-naphthol esterase activity as well as the steroidogenic capacity of the Leydig cells were greatly reduced at this time. In contrast, the level of sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP2), a Leydig cell-specific protein, was affected by hypophysectomy much less than the other parameters measured. Two daily injections of hCG to rats hypophysectomized for 31 days resulted in no change in the morphology of the Leydig cells, or in their proliferative activity. Non-specific esterase activities were also unaffected by 2 days of treatment with hCG. However, two injections of hCG to rats hypophysectomized for 31 days resulted in nearly complete restoration of steroidogenic capacity, and a 3·5-fold increase in the level of SCP2. These findings indicate that hypophysectomy results in significant morphological and biochemical changes in Leydig cells, and that hCG is capable of restoring some of these capacities within a short time. Journal of Endocrinology (1990) 126, 367–375

Adrenal and gonadal function in hypothyroid adult male rats

1997 ◽  
Vol 152 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Tohei ◽  
M Akai ◽  
T Tomabechi ◽  
M Mamada ◽  
K Taya
Keyword(s):  
Adult Male ◽  
Functional Relationship ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Gonadal Hormones ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Plasma Acth ◽  
Corticosterone Release ◽  
Acth Release

Abstract The functional relationship between thyroid, adrenal and gonadal hormones was investigated using adult male rats. Hypothyroidism was produced by the administration of 4-methyl-2-thiouracil (thiouracil) in the drinking water for 2 weeks. Plasma concentrations of TSH dramatically increased, whereas plasma concentrations of tri-iodothyronine and thyroxine decreased in thiouracil-treated rats as compared with euthyroid rats. Hypothyroidism increased basal levels of plasma ACTH and pituitary content of ACTH. The pituitary responsiveness to CRH for ACTH release markedly increased, whereas the adrenal responsiveness to ACTH for corticosterone release decreased. These results indicated that hypothyroidism causes adrenal dysfunction in adult male rats. Pituitary contents of LH and prolactin decreased in hypothyroid rats as compared with euthyroid rats. In addition, hypothyroidism lowered pituitary LH responsiveness to LHRH. Testicular responsiveness to human chorionic gonadotrophin for testosterone release, however, was not different between euthyroid and hypothyroid animals. These results indicated that hypothyroidism causes adrenal dysfunction and results in hypersecretion of ACTH from the pituitary gland. Adrenal dysfunction may contribute to the inhibition of LHRH secretion from the hypothalamus, possibly mediated by excess CRH. Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 152, 147–154

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF COPULATION, HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN INJECTION AND NON-TACTILE ASSOCIATION WITH A FEMALE ON TESTOSTERONE LEVELS IN THE MALE RAT

1974 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 429-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. PURVIS ◽  
N. B. HAYNES
Keyword(s):  
Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Male Rat ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Testosterone Levels ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
First Contact

SUMMARY Peripheral plasma testosterone levels in the male rat were increased above control levels 5 min after the first intromission with an oestrous female, or 8–10 min after first contact with the female. The levels remained raised for at least 30 min if copulation was allowed to continue. Intravenous injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin resulted in an increased peripheral concentration of plasma testosterone after 10–15 min and an increase of testosterone content of the testis 5–10 min after injection, indicating that the rat testis has a potential to respond rapidly to gonadotrophin. The results suggested that if the testosterone surge during copulation was gonadotrophin-dependent, it was initiated before the first intromission. Indeed, plasma testosterone levels were raised in male rats 5 min after being placed in the proximity of oestrous females but not allowed physical contact.

BINDING OF HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN BY RAT TESTIS: EFFECT OF SEXUAL MATURATION, CRYPTORCHIDISM AND HYPOPHYSECTOMY

1975 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOACHIM FROWEIN ◽  
WOLFGANG ENGEL
Keyword(s):  
Dissociation Constant ◽  
Sexual Maturation ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Scatchard Analysis ◽  
Rat Testis ◽  
Relative Binding

SUMMARY The specific binding of 125I-labelled human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) by rat testicular homogenate as compared with isolated Leydig cells differs with respect to total binding capacity but not to the dissociation constant (KD) as revealed by Scatchard analysis. The maximal binding capacity for [125I]HCG of crude testicular homogenate was 95 ng/g rat testis. Hypophysectomy causes a decline in binding capacity within the first three days but on the 20th and 30th day after hypophysectomy the relative binding capacity no longer differs from that of controls. Binding capacity is enhanced in cryptorchid testes relative to normal, and increases during sexual maturation to a peak shortly before puberty.

Follicular dynamics and secretion of inhibin and oestradiol-17β during the oestrous cycle of the hamster

1995 ◽  
Vol 146 (1) ◽  
pp. 169-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Kishi ◽  
K Taya ◽  
G Watanabe ◽  
S Sasamoto
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Marked Decrease ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Antral Follicles ◽  
Follicular Maturation ◽  
Follicular Dynamics

Abstract Plasma and ovarian levels of inhibin were determined by a radioimmunoassay (RIA) at 3-h intervals throughout the 4-day oestrous cycle of hamsters. Plasma concentrations of FSH, LH, progesterone, testosterone and oestradiol-17β were also determined by RIAs. In addition, hamsters were injected at various times with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) to determine the follicular development. The changes in plasma concentrations of FSH after injection of antisera to oestradiol-17β (oestradiol-AS) and inhibin (inhibin-AS) on the morning of day 2 (day 1=day of ovulation) were also determined. Plasma concentrations of inhibin showed a marked increase on the afternoon of day 1, remained at plateau levels until the morning of day 4, then increased abruptly on the afternoon of day 4 when preovulatory LH and FSH surges were initiated. A marked decrease in plasma concentrations of inhibin occurred during the process of ovulation after the preovulatory gonadotrophin surges. An inverse relationship between plasma levels of FSH and inhibin was observed when the secondary surge of FSH was in progress during the periovulatory period. Plasma concentrations of oestradiol-17β showed three increase phases and these changes differed from those of inhibin. Changes in plasma concentrations of oestradiol-17β correlated well with the maturation and regression of large antral follicles. Follicles capable of ovulating following hCG administration were first noted at 2300 h on day 1. The number of follicles capable of ovulating reached a maximum on the morning of day 3 (24·8± 0·6), and decreased by 0500 h on day 4 (15·0 ± 1·1), corresponding to the number of normal spontaneous ovulations. Plasma concentrations of FSH were dramatically increased within 6 h after inhibin-AS, though no increase in FSH levels was observed after oestradiol-AS. These findings suggest that changes in the plasma levels of inhibin during the oestrous cycle provide a precise indicator of follicular recruitment, and that the changes in plasma concentrations of oestradiol-17β are associated with follicular maturation. These findings also suggest that inhibin may play a major role in the inhibition of FSH secretion during the oestrous cycle of the hamster. Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 146, 169–176

THE EFFECT OF INTRAVENOUSLY ADMINISTERED HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN ON PLASMA LEVELS OF TESTOSTERONE AND 5α-DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE IN NORMAL MALE SUBJECTS

1973 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 615-624 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Maurer ◽  
U. Volkwein ◽  
J. Tamm
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Initial Phase ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Normal Male ◽  
Peripheral Conversion ◽  
Male Subjects

ABSTRACT HCG was infused intravenously into normal male subjects. The doses administered were 500, 100 and 50 IU, respectively. During the initial phase of the infusions the plasma testosterone (T) levels decreased. Thirty minutes after starting the infusion of 500 and 100 IU HCG, respectively, the plasma testosterone increased. Significantly elevated values were observed 60 to 180 minutes after the cessation of HCG administration. The dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations in the plasma showed a varying pattern. On the average this steroid also exhibited an increase in plasma following the HCG administration. From the results no conclusions can be drawn as to the extent to which the plasma concentrations of DHT have been influenced by a secretion from the testes or by a peripheral conversion of T into DHT.

Regulation of testicular human chorionic gonadotrophin binding in prolactin-deficient Snell dwarf mice

1982 ◽  
Vol 95 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. G. Amador ◽  
A. Bartke
Keyword(s):  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Direct Effects ◽  
Down Regulation ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Congenital Deficiency ◽  
Similar Dose ◽  
Snell Dwarf ◽  
Dwarf Mice

The regulation of binding of 125I-labelled human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) to testis was studied in mutant mice with congenital deficiency of prolactin (dw/dw), in mice with prolactin deficiency induced by treatment with bromocriptine and in normal untreated mice. After injection of hCG, normal mice showed a dose-related decrease in testicular hCG binding and subsequent recovery from down-regulation, similar to previous findings in the rat. Mice with congenital prolactin deficiency had a similar dose–response curve of receptor loss after hCG administration, but recovered from down-regulation faster than the normal mice. Induction of prolactin deficiency with bromocriptine prevented down-regulation of hCG binding. The differential effects of congenital and drug-induced prolactin deficiency could be related to a difference in the duration of the deficiency or to its severity. However, this difference could also suggest direct effects of the dw mutation and/or bromocriptine on the Leydig cells.

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