Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026

A Modified Co-Culture System for Understanding Granulosa-Theca Cell Interactions in the Bovine Ovary
Published on: September 19, 2025
Paracrine Effects of Leydig Cell Nodular Hyperplasia, Two Case Reports: A Neglected Phenomenon
Julia Shinnick1, Carlos R Abramowsky2, Nasim Khoshnam3
1a Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta , Georgia , USA.
Abstract:
Leydig cell nodular hyperplasia (LCNH) is a lesion that is less characterized than the familiar Leydig cell tumors. The paracrine effects of these lesions on adjacent gonadal stroma have not been widely documented. We present two cases of precocious puberty in pre-pubertal boys found to have a single LCNH with adjacent focal maturation of the seminiferous tubules. Blood tests showed elevated serum testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS). Ultrasound revealed unilateral testicular enlargement with irregular echogenicity. Radical orchiectomy was performed. Histologically Leydig cell nodular proliferation without destruction of surrounding tubules was seen. Mature seminiferous tubules undergoing spermatogenesis were noted adjacent to the lesion, while away from the lesion seminiferous tubules were as expected in pre-pubescent boys. These cases emphasize the potential presence of both paracrine and endocrine effects in Leydig cell nodular hyperplasia. However, instances of the endocrine effects of hyperplastic Leydig cell lesions are more widely reported than the paracrine effects.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
Paracrine Signaling
The Nucleolus
Regulation of Hormone Secretion
Humoral...
The Parathyroid Glands
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by...
Hormones of the Pituitary Gland
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...

