Transient activation of c-myc protooncogene expression in Leydig cells by human chorionic gonadotropin

This study evaluated the effects of in vivo administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on c-myc oncogene expression in Leydig cells. Sprague-Dawley rats (46-50 days old) were treated with hCG (10 units, i.p.), and purified Leydig cells were isolated 1-24 h later. HCG caused a transient elevation of c-myc mRNA in 4 h and returned to normal or lower than normal levels at 24 h. There was no change in c-fos or beta-actin mRNA levels. Our results suggest that the growth promoting effects of hCG on Leydig cells may be mediated by the transient expression of c-myc protooncogene.