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Testosterone synthesis by chicken follicular cells.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|January 1, 1979
Summary
In hens, theca cells are the primary site for testosterone synthesis, but require granulosa cells or progesterone to produce it. Granulosa cells may convert progesterone into testosterone within the theca cells.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
- Avian Physiology
Background:
- Ovarian follicle function is crucial for avian reproduction.
- Understanding steroidogenesis in follicular cells is key to reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinct and combined roles of theca and granulosa cells in testosterone synthesis in hen ovarian follicles.
- To identify the cellular origins and regulatory mechanisms of testosterone production.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of isolated theca and granulosa cells, and combined cell cultures.
- Treatment with ovine gonadotrophins and exogenous progesterone.
- Quantification of testosterone and progesterone synthesis.
Main Results:
- Theca cells alone produced minimal testosterone and no progesterone.
- Granulosa cells produced progesterone and small amounts of testosterone without stimulation.
- Ovine gonadotrophin stimulation increased testosterone synthesis in both cell types, with a greater response in theca cells.
- Combined theca and granulosa cells showed significantly increased testosterone synthesis (9- to 17-fold), particularly with ovine luteinizing hormone (oLH).
- Theca cells produced substantial testosterone when supplied with exogenous progesterone.
Conclusions:
- Theca cells are the major site of follicular testosterone synthesis in hens.
- Theca cells require either granulosa cells or progesterone as a precursor for testosterone production.
- Granulosa cells likely provide progesterone, which is then converted to testosterone by theca cells.