Hormonal regulation of testicular LH/hCG receptors in rat
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Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes
Published on: February 8, 2016
Abstract:
A single injection of 60 IU of hCG to 25-day-old rats led to a loss of LH/hCG receptors in the testis. The content of [125I] hCG binding sites reached a nadir 2 days after hCG injection. At this time the effect of daily treatment of hormones and other agents on the formation of LH/hCG receptors was studied. Gonadotropin receptors were estimated 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days after injection of hCG. Daily treatment of rats with PMSG (30 IU/day) increased testicular content of hCG binding sites. The presence of the pituitary in these animals was necessary during the formation of receptors after hCG-induced loss of binding sites. LH/hCG receptor content remained low in rats treated with testosterone (250 microgram/day), hCG (100 IU/day) or inhibitors of the synthesis and the secretion of prolactininhibitors-bromocryptine (250 microgram/day), ergocryptine (200 microgram/day) and deprenon (50 and 600 micrograms/day). Administration of cortisol (1 mg/day) had no effect on restoration of LH/hCG receptors. These data suggest an important role for FSH and prolactin in the formation of LH/hCG receptors in rat testis.
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