Influence of temperature on the function of Sertoli and Leydig cells of human testes

The influence of temperature on Leydig and Sertoli cell functions was investigated in two experiments. One experiment was performed with testes of men with or without varicocele, because the temperature differs between right and left testes of men with left varicocele and right testes of men without varicocele. There were no significant differences in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) receptors, and testosterone (T) concentrations among the testes. The other experiment was performed with the use of testicular organ culture. Specific binding sites for FSH, hCG, and T production were similar in cultured testes maintained at 33 degrees and 37 degrees C for 7 days. It is concluded that high temperature may not disturb Leydig and Sertoli cell functions in the short term.