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[Modulation of Leydig cell activity by Sertoli cell: an in vitro study]
Comptes Rendus Des Seances De L'Academie Des Sciences. Serie III, Sciences De La Vie
|January 17, 1983
Summary
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) influences Leydig cell steroidogenesis indirectly. Co-culturing Leydig cells with Sertoli cells revealed FSH
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
- Testicular Physiology
Background:
- In vivo studies suggest Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) impacts Leydig cell steroidogenic activity.
- However, Sertoli cells are the only testicular cells identified with specific FSH receptors, raising questions about FSH's mechanism of action on Leydig cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism by which FSH modulates Leydig cell steroidogenesis.
- To determine if FSH's effect on Leydig cells is direct or mediated by other testicular cells.
Main Methods:
- Purified pig Leydig and Sertoli cells were cultured individually and in co-culture.
- Leydig cell activity was assessed by measuring human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-stimulated testosterone secretion and luteinizing hormone/hCG binding sites.
Main Results:
- FSH did not stimulate testosterone secretion or LH/hCG binding sites in purified Leydig cells cultured alone.
- Co-culturing Leydig cells with Sertoli cells resulted in FSH significantly increasing both testosterone secretion and LH/hCG binding sites.
Conclusions:
- The effects of FSH on Leydig cell steroidogenic activity are not direct.
- These findings indicate that Sertoli cells mediate the action of FSH on Leydig cells within the testis.