Effect of LH and FSH on testosterone release from cultured Leydig cells

The level of testosterone in incubation media of cultures of Leydig cells isolated from mouse testes were measured by specific radioimmunoassay. Luteinizing hormone (LH) in a concentration of 10, 100 and 500 ng per 1 ml of culture medium stimulated the secretion of testosterone very markedly especially after 2 days of culture. LH in the amount of 100 ng ml-1 exerted the most stimulating effect on testosterone production by cultured Leydig cells. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in a concentration 100 ng ml-1 of culture medium did not influence significantly the androgen production.