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Are ovine Leydig cells able to aromatize androgens?
B Bilińska1, M Leśniak, B Schmalz
1Laboratory of Animal Endocrinology and Tissue Culture, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
Reproduction, Fertility, and Development
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Mature ovine Leydig cells convert testosterone to estradiol, a process inhibited by CGS 16949A. Aromatase enzyme presence in mature Leydig cells suggests a dual role in androgen and estrogen synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Steroidogenesis
Background:
- Ovine Leydig cells are crucial for testosterone synthesis.
- The role of Leydig cells in estrogen production is less understood.
- Aromatase enzyme activity is key to converting androgens to estrogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the conversion of testosterone to estradiol by ovine Leydig cells in vitro.
- To determine the presence and localization of aromatase in ovine Leydig cells.
- To assess the effect of a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor on this conversion.
Main Methods:
- Primary culture of ovine Leydig cells from mature and immature rams.
- Incubation with testosterone and the aromatase inhibitor CGS 16949A.
- Quantification of testosterone and estradiol secretion via radioimmunoassay.
- Immunohistochemical staining for aromatase detection.
Main Results:
- Ovine Leydig cells in vitro demonstrated the capacity to aromatize exogenous testosterone to estradiol.
- The aromatase inhibitor CGS 16949A significantly suppressed this conversion in a dose-dependent manner.
- Mature ram Leydig cells were immunohistochemically positive for aromatase, while immature cells were negative.
- Aromatase localization was dependent on the age of the donor ram.
Conclusions:
- Mature ovine Leydig cells possess aromatase activity and can convert androgens to estrogens.
- These findings suggest a dual function for mature Leydig cells in steroidogenesis.
- Age-dependent expression of aromatase in Leydig cells is indicated.