Immunofluorescent localization of the StAR protein in mitochondria of mouse Leydig cells in vitro

The Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory (StAR) protein is assumed to enhance the rate-limiting step of the steroid biosynthesis. Now, it is the most likely candidate, responsible for acutely regulating transfer of cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane. In this study, the immunoreactive StAR protein was observed in the mitochondria of mouse cultured Leydig cells stimulated by hCG andtesticular macrophage-conditioned medium. Immunocytochemistry was performed using a polyclonal rabbit antibody against the StAR protein. For selective staining of mitochondria in Leydig cells, the Mito Tracker dye was used. Computerized, superimposed images from double-fluorescence staining showed a remarkable degree of similarity in the distribution of the StAR protein and mitochondria, indicating mitochondrial localization of StAR.