The presence of non-specific esterase activity is correlated with different Leydig cell characteristics: 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), human chorionic gonadotrophin binding and LH-stimulated steroid production. This indicates that esterase can be used as a marker enzyme for Leydig cells. Esterase, however, has also been used as a marker enzyme for macrophages. We have compared, using biochemical and histochemical techniques, the esterase activity of Leydig cell preparations from mature and immature rats and of preparations enriched in testicular or peritoneal macrophages. Leydig cells were identified by staining for 3β-HSD, and macrophages by phagocytosis of fluorescent beads. Leydig cell preparations from mature rats showed an approximately 400-fold higher esterase activity than peritoneal macrophage preparations and an approximately 50-fold higher activity than testicular macrophage preparations. Leydig cell preparations from mature rats showed a 60-fold higher esterase activity than Leydig cell preparations from immature rats.
Differences in esterase activity were also demonstrated histochemically. Leydig cells from mature rats showed positive esterase staining after 30 s at room temperature. Testicular macrophages showed esterase activity after staining for 3 min. Only approximately 25% of the 3β-HSD-positive cells from immature rats showed esterase activity after staining for 6 min. Esterase is therefore a useful marker enzyme for Leydig cells from mature rats and can be of help in studies concerning the development of these cells.
J. Endocr. (1986) 108, 329–334
Journal of Endocrinology is committed to supporting researchers in demonstrating the impact of their articles published in the journal.
The two types of article metrics we measure are (i) more traditional full-text views and pdf downloads, and (ii) Altmetric data, which shows the wider impact of articles in a range of non-traditional sources, such as social media.
More information is on the Reasons to publish page.
| Sept 2018 onwards | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Text Views | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| PDF Downloads | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Online ISSN: 1479-6805
Print ISSN: 0022-0795
Strengthening biomedical communities
to advance science and health
CONTACT US
Bioscientifica Ltd | Starling House | 1600 Bristol Parkway North | Bristol BS34 8YU | UK
Bioscientifica Ltd | Registered in England no 3190519
