The influence of LH levels on the proliferation and differentiation of possible Leydig cell precursors was investigated in adult rats, after the destruction of the existing Leydig cells with the cytotoxic drug ethane dimethyl sulphonate (EDS). In rats bearing a testosterone implant which prevented the rise in plasma LH levels and kept them within the normal range after the destruction of the Leydig cells, the proliferative activity of possible Leydig cell precursors still increased seven- to eightfold 2 days after EDS administration. Apparently, in this situation, locally produced factors, and not LH, may play a role in the stimulation of proliferation. The proliferative activity of the possible precursor cells could be further stimulated by treating rats with daily injections of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) following EDS administration. It was concluded that the proliferative activity of possible Leydig cell precursors is probably regulated by both paracrine and endocrine factors.
Almost no Leydig cells were formed in the rats bearing a testosterone implant during the first 4 weeks after EDS administration. When these rats were treated with hCG, starting 28 days after administration of EDS, a substantial number of Leydig cells was found after 2 days, and these cells also showed 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and α-naphtyl esterase (α-NE) activity. When hCG treatment was started at 14 or 21 days after EDS administration, some cells with the nuclear characteristics of Leydig cells were present after 2 days, but no 3β-HSD or α-NE activity could be detected. Finally, when hCG treatment was started directly after EDS administration, a considerable number of Leydig cells was found 14 days after EDS, and some of these cells already showed 3β-HSD and α-NE activity. It is concluded that precursor cells are able to develop into advanced precursor cells at normal LH levels, and that the rate of development of new Leydig cells strongly depends upon LH/hCG levels.
Journal of Endocrinology (1989) 122, 689–696
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