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Ciller I, Palanisamy S, Ciller U, Al-Ali I, Coumans J, McFarlane J. Steroidogenic enzyme gene expression and testosterone production are developmentally modulated by bone morphogenetic protein receptor-1B in mouse testis. Physiol Res 2023; 72:359-369. [PMID: 37455641 PMCID: PMC10668998 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and receptors (BMPR-1A, BMPR-1B, BMPR-2) have been shown to be vital for female reproduction, while their roles in males are poorly described. Our study was undertaken to specify the function of BMPR-1B in steroidogenic enzyme gene expression, testosterone production and reproductive development in male mice, given that Bmpr1b mRNA is expressed in mouse testis and Bmpr1b knockout results in compromised fertility. Male mice were passively immunized for 6 days with anti-BMPR-1B in the presence or absence of exogenous gonadotrophins. We then measured the effects of anti-BMPR-1B on testicular hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isoforms (Hsd3b1, Hsd3b6, and Hsd17b3) and aromatase (Cyp19) mRNA expression, testicular and serum testosterone levels, and testis and seminal vesicle weight. In vitro testosterone production in response to anti-BMPR-1B was determined using testicular culture, and Leydig cell culture in the presence or absence of gonadotrophins. In Leydig cell culture the contribution of seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells were examined by preconditioning the media with these testicular constituents. In adult mice, anti-BMPR-1B increased testosterone and Hsd3b1 but decreased Hsd3b6 and Cyp19 mRNA. In adult testicular culture and seminiferous tubule conditioned Leydig cell culture, anti-BMPR-1B reduced testosterone, while in normal and Leydig cell conditioned Leydig cell culture it increased testosterone levels. In pubertal mice, anti-BMPR-1B reduced gonadotrophin stimulated seminal vesicle growth. In conclusion, BMPR-1B has specific developmental functions in the autocrine and paracrine regulation of testicular steroidogenic enzyme gene expression and testosterone production in adults and in the development of seminal vesicles during puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Ciller
- School of Rural Medicine, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia.
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2
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Zomer HD, Reddi PP. Characterization of rodent Sertoli cell primary cultures. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:857-870. [PMID: 32743879 PMCID: PMC7685524 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells play a vital role in spermatogenesis by offering physical and nutritional support to the differentiating male germ cells. They form the blood-testis barrier and secrete growth factors essential for germ cell differentiation. Sertoli cell primary cultures are critical for understanding the regulation of spermatogenesis; however, obtaining pure cultures has been a challenge. Rodent Sertoli cell isolation protocols do not rule out contamination by the interstitial or connective tissue cells. Sertoli cell-specific markers could be helpful, but there is no consensus. Vimentin, the most commonly used marker, is not specific for Sertoli cells since its expression has been reported in peritubular myoid cells, mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, and endothelial cells, which contaminate Sertoli cell preparations. Markers based on transcription and growth factors also have limitations. Thus, the impediment to obtaining pure Sertoli cell cultures pertains to both the method of isolation and marker usage. The aim of this review is to discuss improvements to current methods of rodent Sertoli cell primary cultures, assess the properties of prepubertal versus mature Sertoli cell cultures, and propose steps to improve cellular characterization. Potential benefits of using contemporary approaches, including lineage tracing, specific cell ablation, and RNA-seq for obtaining Sertoli-specific transcript markers are discussed. Evaluating the specificity and applicability of these markers at the protein level to characterize Sertoli cells in culture would be critical. This review is expected to positively impact future work using primary cultures of rodent Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena D Zomer
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Prabhakara P Reddi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
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3
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Rebourcet D, Monteiro A, Cruickshanks L, Jeffery N, Smith S, Milne L, O’Shaughnessy PJ, Smith LB. Relationship of transcriptional markers to Leydig cell number in the mouse testis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219524. [PMID: 31291327 PMCID: PMC6619764 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The current study aims to identify markers that would reflect the number of Leydig cells present in the testis, to help determine whether labour-intensive methods such as stereology are necessary. We used our well-characterised Sertoli cell ablation model in which we have empirically established the size of the Leydig cell population, to try to identify transcriptional biomarkers indicative of population size. Results Following characterisation of the Leydig cell population after Sertoli cell ablation in neonatal life or adulthood, we identified Hsd3b1 transcript levels as a potential indicator of Leydig cell number with utility for informing decision-making on whether to engage in time-consuming stereological cell counting analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Rebourcet
- Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Ana Monteiro
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Lyndsey Cruickshanks
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan Jeffery
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Milne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J. O’Shaughnessy
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Lee B. Smith
- Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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4
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O'Shaughnessy PJ, Mitchell RT, Monteiro A, O'Hara L, Cruickshanks L, der Grinten HCV, Brown P, Abel M, Smith LB. Androgen receptor expression is required to ensure development of adult Leydig cells and to prevent development of steroidogenic cells with adrenal characteristics in the mouse testis. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2019; 19:8. [PMID: 30995907 PMCID: PMC6472051 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-019-0189-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background The interstitium of the mouse testis contains Leydig cells and a small number of steroidogenic cells with adrenal characteristics which may be derived from the fetal adrenal during development or may be a normal subset of the developing fetal Leydig cells. Currently it is not known what regulates development and/or proliferation of this sub-population of steroidogenic cells in the mouse testis. Androgen receptors (AR) are essential for normal testicular function and in this study we have examined the role of the AR in regulating interstitial cell development. Results Using a mouse model which lacks gonadotropins and AR (hpg.ARKO), stimulation of luteinising hormone receptors in vivo with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) caused a marked increase in adrenal cell transcripts/protein in a group of testicular interstitial cells. hCG also induced testicular transcripts associated with basic steroidogenic function in these mice but had no effect on adult Leydig cell-specific transcript levels. In hpg mice with functional AR, treatment with hCG induced Leydig cell-specific function and had no effect on adrenal transcript levels. Examination of mice with cell-specific AR deletion and knockdown of AR in a mouse Leydig cell line suggests that AR in the Leydig cells are likely to regulate these effects. Conclusions This study shows that in the mouse the androgen receptor is required both to prevent development of testicular cells with adrenal characteristics and to ensure development of an adult Leydig cell phenotype. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12861-019-0189-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J O'Shaughnessy
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G61 1QH, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Ana Monteiro
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G61 1QH, Glasgow, UK
| | - Laura O'Hara
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Lyndsey Cruickshanks
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Hedi Claahsen-van der Grinten
- Department of Paediatrics, Radboud Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Pamela Brown
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Margaret Abel
- Department of Human Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Lee B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.,School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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5
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Coskun G, Sencar L, Tuli A, Saker D, Alparslan MM, Polat S. Effects of Osteocalcin on Synthesis of Testosterone and INSL3 during Adult Leydig Cell Differentiation. Int J Endocrinol 2019; 2019:1041760. [PMID: 31558901 PMCID: PMC6735183 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1041760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Proliferation and differentiation of adult Leydig cells are mainly completed in puberty. In many studies, apart from normal postnatal development process, it is widely indicated that, through administrating EDS, Leydig cell population is eliminated and regenerated. It is believed that osteocalcin released from osteoblasts, which is responsible for modulating bone metabolism, induces testosterone production in Leydig cells, independent of the HPG axis. In addition, INSL3 produced by Leydig cells, such as testosterone, plays a critical role in bone metabolism and is known to reflect the development process and functional capacities of Leydig cells. This study is aimed at investigating OC-mediated testosterone regulation and INSL3 synthesis during differentiation of adult Leydig cells that are independent of LH. For this purpose, male rats were divided into 2 groups: prepubertal normal rats and adult EDS-injected rats. Each group was divided into 4 subgroups in which GnRH antagonist or OC was applied. After adult Leydig cells completed their development, testicular tissue samples obtained from the sacrificed rats were examined by light-electron microscopic, immunohistochemical, and biochemical methods. Slight upregulation in 3βHSD, INSL3, and GPRC6A expressions along with the increase in serum testosterone levels was observed in groups treated with osteocalcin against GnRH antagonist. In addition, biochemical and microscopic findings in osteocalcin treated groups were similar to those in control groups. While there was no significant difference in the number of Leydig cells reported, the presence of a significant upregulation in INSL3 and GPRC6A expressions and the increase in serum testosterone and ucOC levels were observed. After evaluation of findings altogether, it is put forward that, for the first time in this study, although osteocalcin treatment made no significant difference in the number of Leydig cells, it increased the level of testosterone through improving the function of existing adult Leydig cells during normal postnatal development process and post-EDS regeneration. This positive correlation between osteocalcin-testosterone and osteocalcin-INSL3 is concluded to be independent of LH at in vivo conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulfidan Coskun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana TR01330, Turkey
| | - Leman Sencar
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana TR01330, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Tuli
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana TR01330, Turkey
| | - Dilek Saker
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana TR01330, Turkey
| | | | - Sait Polat
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana TR01330, Turkey
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6
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Rebourcet D, Wu J, Cruickshanks L, Smith SE, Milne L, Fernando A, Wallace RJ, Gray CD, Hadoke PWF, Mitchell RT, O'Shaughnessy PJ, Smith LB. Sertoli Cells Modulate Testicular Vascular Network Development, Structure, and Function to Influence Circulating Testosterone Concentrations in Adult Male Mice. Endocrinology 2016; 157:2479-88. [PMID: 27145015 PMCID: PMC4891787 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The testicular vasculature forms a complex network, providing oxygenation, micronutrients, and waste clearance from the testis. The vasculature is also instrumental to testis function because it is both the route by which gonadotropins are delivered to the testis and by which T is transported away to target organs. Whether Sertoli cells play a role in regulating the testicular vasculature in postnatal life has never been unequivocally demonstrated. In this study we used models of acute Sertoli cell ablation and acute germ cell ablation to address whether Sertoli cells actively influence vascular structure and function in the adult testis. Our findings suggest that Sertoli cells play a key role in supporting the structure of the testicular vasculature. Ablating Sertoli cells (and germ cells) or germ cells alone results in a similar reduction in testis size, yet only the specific loss of Sertoli cells leads to a reduction in total intratesticular vascular volume, the number of vascular branches, and the numbers of small microvessels; loss of germ cells alone has no effect on the testicular vasculature. These perturbations to the testicular vasculature leads to a reduction in fluid exchange between the vasculature and testicular interstitium, which reduces gonadotropin-stimulated circulating T concentrations, indicative of reduced Leydig cell stimulation and/or reduced secretion of T into the vasculature. These findings describe a new paradigm by which the transport of hormones and other factors into and out of the testis may be influenced by Sertoli cells and highlights these cells as potential targets for enhancing this endocrine relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Rebourcet
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Junxi Wu
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Lyndsey Cruickshanks
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Smith
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Milne
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Anuruddika Fernando
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J Wallace
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Calum D Gray
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick W F Hadoke
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J O'Shaughnessy
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Lee B Smith
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
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7
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Taniguchi H, Katano T, Nishida K, Kinoshita H, Matsuda T, Ito S. Elucidation of the mechanism of suppressed steroidogenesis during androgen deprivation therapy of prostate cancer patients using a mouse model. Andrology 2016; 4:964-71. [PMID: 27230983 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the standard medical approach to the management of prostate cancer. Patients switched from a GnRH antagonist to a GnRH agonist, did not experience a testosterone surge in spite of the occurrence of luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in our protocol of clinical study. To clarify this observation, male mice pre-treated with two different doses of the GnRH antagonist degarelix for 28 days were further administered the GnRH agonist leuprolide or chorionic gonadotropin, and testosterone production of the mice was studied. Serum LH and testosterone levels, the size of Leydig cells, and expression level of steroidogenesis-related genes in the testis were analyzed. Treatment of mice with a high dose of degarelix (0.1 μg/mouse; HDG), but not a low dose (0.05 μg/mouse; LDG), for 28 days reproduced declined steroidogenesis observed in prostate cancer patients during ADT switched from a GnRH antagonist to a GnRH agonist. The size of the Leydig cells in the HDG mice was not significantly different from that in naive mice. Although expression levels of StAR, P450scc, and 17β HSD increased significantly in the LDH testis, those in the HDG testis did not change. Treatment of mice with a high dose of degarelix for 28 days reproduced the decline in steroidogenesis observed in prostate cancer patients during ADT. In this animal model, we demonstrated that initial ADT may inhibit the ability of Leydig cells to produce testosterone by suppressing the expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis, such as StAR, P450scc, and 17βHSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Taniguchi
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan
| | - T Katano
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan
| | - K Nishida
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan
| | - H Kinoshita
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan
| | - T Matsuda
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan
| | - S Ito
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan
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8
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Smith LB, O'Shaughnessy PJ, Rebourcet D. Cell-specific ablation in the testis: what have we learned? Andrology 2015; 3:1035-49. [PMID: 26446427 PMCID: PMC4950036 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Testicular development and function is the culmination of a complex process of autocrine, paracrine and endocrine interactions between multiple cell types. Dissecting this has classically involved the use of systemic treatments to perturb endocrine function, or more recently, transgenic models to knockout individual genes. However, targeting genes one at a time does not capture the more wide‐ranging role of each cell type in its entirety. An often overlooked, but extremely powerful approach to elucidate cellular function is the use of cell ablation strategies, specifically removing one cellular population and examining the resultant impacts on development and function. Cell ablation studies reveal a more holistic overview of cell–cell interactions. This not only identifies important roles for the ablated cell type, which warrant further downstream study, but also, and importantly, reveals functions within the tissue that occur completely independently of the ablated cell type. To date, cell ablation studies in the testis have specifically removed germ cells, Leydig cells, macrophages and recently Sertoli cells. These studies have provided great leaps in understanding not possible via other approaches; as such, cell ablation represents an essential component in the researchers’ tool‐kit, and should be viewed as a complement to the more mainstream approaches to advancing our understanding of testis biology. In this review, we summarise the cell ablation models used in the testis, and discuss what each of these have taught us about testis development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - P J O'Shaughnessy
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow, UK
| | - D Rebourcet
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
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9
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O'Shaughnessy PJ, Monteiro A, Fowler PA, Morris ID. Identification of Leydig cell-specific mRNA transcripts in the adult rat testis. Reproduction 2014; 147:671-82. [PMID: 24505118 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The adult population of Leydig cells acts to secrete testosterone which is essential for reproductive health and fertility in the adult male. However, other physiological functions of these cells are uncertain, and to address this issue a cell ablation model has been used to identify Leydig cell-specific mRNA transcripts. Ethane dimethane sulphonate (EDS) was synthesised by a novel process and was used to ablate Leydig cells in adult male rats previously treated with butane dimethane sulphonate (busulphan) to delete the germ cell population. Levels of mRNA transcripts were measured in the testis using microarrays 1, 3, 5, 8 and 12 days after EDS injection. During this period, there was a significant change in the levels of 2200 different transcripts with a marked decline in the levels of canonical Leydig cell transcripts, such as Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1 and Insl3. A total of 95 transcripts showed a similar decline in expression after EDS treatment, suggesting that they have a Leydig cell-specific origin. Analysis of selected transcripts confirmed that they were expressed specifically in Leydig cells and showed that most had a late onset of expression during adult Leydig cell development. Apart from transcripts encoding components of the steroidogenic apparatus, the most common predicted function of translated proteins was endogenous and xenotoxicant metabolism. In addition, a number of transcripts encode acute-phase proteins involved in reduction of oxidative stress. Results show that, in addition to androgen secretion, Leydig cells may have a critical role to play in protecting the testis from damage caused by toxicants or stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J O'Shaughnessy
- Division of Cell Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
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10
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McGee SR, Narayan P. Precocious puberty and Leydig cell hyperplasia in male mice with a gain of function mutation in the LH receptor gene. Endocrinology 2013; 154:3900-13. [PMID: 23861372 PMCID: PMC3776872 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-2179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The LH receptor (LHR) is critical for steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. Its essential role is underscored by the developmental and reproductive abnormalities that occur due to genetic mutations identified in the human LHR. In males, activating mutations are associated with precocious puberty and Leydig cell hyperplasia. To generate a mouse model for the human disease, we have introduced an aspartic acid to glycine mutation in amino acid residue 582 (D582G) of the mouse LHR gene corresponding to the most common D578G mutation found in boys with familial male-limited precocious puberty (FMPP). In transfected cells, mouse D582G mLHR exhibited constitutive activity with a 23-fold increase in basal cAMP levels compared with the wild-type receptor. A temporal study of male mice from 7 days to 24 weeks indicated that the knock-in mice with the mutated receptor (KiLHR(D582G)) exhibited precocious puberty with elevated testosterone levels as early as 7 days of age and through adulthood. Leydig cell-specific genes encoding LHR and several steroidogenic enzymes were up-regulated in KiLHR(D582G) testis. Leydig cell hyperplasia was detected at all ages, whereas Sertoli and germ cell development appeared normal. A novel finding from our studies, not previously reported in the FMPP cases, is that extensive hyperplasia is commonly found around the periphery of the testis. We further demonstrate that the hyperplasia is due to premature proliferation and precocious differentiation of adult Leydig cells in the KiLHR(D582G) testis. The KiLHR(D582G) mice provide a mouse model for FMPP, and we suggest that it is a useful model for studying pathologies associated with altered LHR signaling.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Substitution
- Animals
- Cell Proliferation
- Crosses, Genetic
- Disease Models, Animal
- Gene Knock-In Techniques
- Humans
- Hyperplasia
- Leydig Cells/metabolism
- Leydig Cells/pathology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, 129 Strain
- Mice, Mutant Strains
- Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
- Mutant Proteins/metabolism
- Puberty, Precocious/blood
- Puberty, Precocious/genetics
- Puberty, Precocious/metabolism
- Receptors, LH/genetics
- Receptors, LH/metabolism
- Testicular Diseases/blood
- Testicular Diseases/metabolism
- Testicular Diseases/pathology
- Testosterone/blood
- Up-Regulation
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey R McGee
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, Illinois 62901.
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11
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Rodriguez-Sosa JR, Costa GMJ, Rathi R, França LR, Dobrinski I. Endocrine modulation of the recipient environment affects development of bovine testis tissue ectopically grafted in mice. Reproduction 2012; 144:37-51. [PMID: 22550313 DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Testis tissue xenografting is a powerful approach for the study of testis development and spermatogenesis, and for fertility preservation in immature individuals. In bovine testis xenografts, maturation and spermatogenesis are inefficient when compared to other species. To evaluate if exogenous modulation of the endocrine milieu in recipient mice will affect spermatogenic efficiency in xenografts from newborn calves, recipient mice were treated with the GnRH antagonist acyline (5 mg/kg s.c. every 2 weeks) to reduce testosterone production in xenografts, or with 6-N-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU, 0.1% in drinking water for 4 weeks), to induce transient hypothyroidism in recipient mice respectively. Both treatments altered developmental parameters of testis xenografts and reduced germ cell differentiation. While the effects of acyline treatment can be attributed to inhibition of GnRH and gonadotropin action, lower Sertoli cell numbers and decreased seminiferous tubule length observed after PTU treatment were opposite to effects reported previously in rats. Regardless of treatment, Sertoli cells underwent only partial maturation in xenografts as Müllerian inhibiting substance and androgen receptor expression were lower than in donor and adult tissue controls respectively. In conclusion, although treatments did not result in improvement of maturation of bovine testis xenografts, the current study demonstrates that exogenous modulation of the endocrine milieu to affect xenograft development in recipient mice provides an accessible model to study endocrine control of spermatogenesis in large donor species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose R Rodriguez-Sosa
- Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348, USA
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12
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Welsh M, Moffat L, Belling K, de França LR, Segatelli TM, Saunders PTK, Sharpe RM, Smith LB. Androgen receptor signalling in peritubular myoid cells is essential for normal differentiation and function of adult Leydig cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 35:25-40. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01150.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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13
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Chen H, Stanley E, Jin S, Zirkin BR. Stem Leydig cells: from fetal to aged animals. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 90:272-83. [PMID: 21181888 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.20192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Leydig cells are the testosterone-producing cells of the testis. The adult Leydig cell (ALC) population ultimately develops from undifferentiated mesenchymal-like stem cells present in the interstitial compartment of the neonatal testis. Distinct stages of ALC development have been identified and characterized. These include stem Leydig cells (SLCs), progenitor Leydig cells, immature Leydig cells, and ALCs. This review describes our current understanding of the SLCs in the fetal, prenatal, peripubertal, adult, and aged rat testis, as well as recent studies of the differentiation of steroidogenic cells from the stem cells of other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Division of Reproductive Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
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14
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry R Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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15
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Hu GX, Lian QQ, Ge RS, Hardy DO, Li XK. Phthalate-induced testicular dysgenesis syndrome: Leydig cell influence. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2009; 20:139-45. [PMID: 19278865 PMCID: PMC2718776 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2008.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2008] [Revised: 12/15/2008] [Accepted: 12/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Phthalates, the most abundantly produced plasticizers, leach out from polyvinyl chloride plastics and disrupt androgen action. Male rats that are exposed to phthalates in utero develop symptoms characteristic of the human condition referred to as testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). Environmental influences have been suspected to contribute to the increasing incidence of TDS in humans (i.e. cryptorchidism and hypospadias in newborn boys and testicular cancer and reduced sperm quality in adult males). In this review, we discuss the recent findings that prenatal exposure to phthalates affects Leydig cell function in the postnatal testis. This review also focuses on the recent progress in our understanding of how Leydig cell factors contribute to phthalate-mediated TDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Xin Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou 325000, China
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16
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Abel MH, Baban D, Lee S, Charlton HM, O'Shaughnessy PJ. Effects of FSH on testicular mRNA transcript levels in the hypogonadal mouse. J Mol Endocrinol 2009; 42:291-303. [PMID: 19136570 PMCID: PMC2659293 DOI: 10.1677/jme-08-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
FSH acts through the Sertoli cell to ensure normal testicular development and function. To identify transcriptional mechanisms through which FSH acts in the testis, we have treated gonadotrophin-deficient hypogonadal (hpg) mice with recombinant FSH and measured changes in testicular transcript levels using microarrays and real-time PCR 12, 24 and 72 h after the start of treatment. Approximately 400 transcripts were significantly altered at each time point by FSH treatment. At 12 h, there was a clear increase in the levels of a number of known Sertoli cell transcripts (e.g. Fabp5, Lgals1, Tesc, Scara5, Aqp5). Additionally, levels of Leydig cell transcripts were also markedly increased (e.g. Ren1, Cyp17a1, Akr1b7, Star, Nr4a1). This was associated with a small but significant rise in testosterone at 24 and 72 h. At 24 h, androgen-dependent Sertoli cell transcripts were up-regulated (e.g. Rhox5, Drd4, Spinlw1, Tubb3 and Tsx) and this trend continued up to 72 h. By contrast with the somatic cells, only five germ cell transcripts (Dkkl1, Hdc, Pou5f1, Zfp541 and 1700021K02Rik) were altered by FSH within the time-course of the experiment. Analysis of canonical pathways showed that FSH induced a general decline in transcripts related to formation and regulation of tight junctions. Results show that FSH acts directly and indirectly to induce rapid changes in Sertoli cell and Leydig cell transcript levels in the hpg mouse but that effects on germ cell development must occur over a longer time-span.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - P J O'Shaughnessy
- Institute of Comparative MedicineUniversity of Glasgow Veterinary SchoolBearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QHUK
- Correspondence should be addressed to P J O'Shaughnessy;
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17
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Coonce MM, Rabideau AC, McGee S, Smith K, Narayan P. Impact of a constitutively active luteinizing hormone receptor on testicular gene expression and postnatal Leydig cell development. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2009; 298:33-41. [PMID: 19013498 PMCID: PMC2653066 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2008] [Revised: 09/26/2008] [Accepted: 10/02/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The actions of luteinizing hormone (LH) mediated through its receptor (LHR) are critical for testicular steroidogenesis and Leydig cell differentiation. We have previously characterized transgenic mice expressing a genetically engineered, constitutively active yoked hormone-receptor complex (YHR), in which a fusion protein of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was covalently linked to LHR. Elevated testosterone levels were detected in male mice expressing YHR (YHR(+)) at 3 and 5 weeks of age, accompanied by decreases in testicular weight and serum levels of LH and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Here we report a temporal study to identify testicular genes whose expression is altered in YHR(+) mice during postnatal development. The mRNA expression levels for the steroidogenic enzymes, P450 17alpha-hydroxylase, 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase3 and 5alpha-reductase1 were down-regulated in 3- and 5-week-old YHR(+) testis. This result coupled with an immunohistochemical analysis of Leydig cell specific proteins and quantification of Leydig cell numbers identified a decrease in adult Leydig cells in YHR(+) mice. Surprisingly, no change was detected for cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage or steroidogenic acute regulatory protein RNA levels between WT and YHR(+) mice. In contrast, mRNA levels for insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 were up-regulated in 3- and 5-week-old YHR(+) mice. The mRNA levels for several germ cell-specific proteins were up-regulated at 5 weeks of age in both WT and YHR(+) mice. We conclude that premature high levels of testosterone alter the expression of a select number of testicular genes and impair the differentiation of adult Leydig cells in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary M. Coonce
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Amanda C. Rabideau
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Stacey McGee
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Keriayn Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Prema Narayan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
- Corresponding author: Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Life Science III, Mailcode 6523, Carbondale IL, 62901, USA, Tel: 618-453-1567, Fax: 618-453-1517,
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18
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Abstract
Thyroid hormone is a critical regulator of growth, development, and metabolism in virtually all tissues, and altered thyroid status affects many organs and systems. Although for many years testis has been regarded as a thyroid hormone unresponsive organ, it is now evident that thyroid hormone plays an important role in testicular development and function. A considerable amount of data show that thyroid hormone influences steroidogenesis as well as spermatogenesis. The involvement of tri-iodothyronine (T(3)) in the control of Sertoli cell proliferation and functional maturation is widely accepted, as well as its role in postnatal Leydig cell differentiation and steroidogenesis. The presence of thyroid hormone receptors in testicular cells throughout development and in adulthood implies that T(3) may act directly on these cells to bring about its effects. Several recent studies have employed different methodologies and techniques in an attempt to understand the mechanisms underlying thyroid hormone effects on testicular cells. The current review aims at presenting an updated picture of the recent advances made regarding the role of thyroid hormones in male gonadal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia Santos Wagner
- Endocrine Division, Thyroid Section, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-033, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
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19
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Johnston H, King PJ, O'Shaughnessy PJ. Effects of ACTH and expression of the melanocortin-2 receptor in the neonatal mouse testis. Reproduction 2007; 133:1181-7. [PMID: 17636172 DOI: 10.1530/rep-06-0359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
ACTH has been shown to stimulate androgen production by the fetal/neonatal mouse testis through the melanocortin type 2 receptor (MC2R). This study was designed to localize the expression of MC2R in the neonatal mouse testis and characterize the effects of ACTH on testicular androgen production. Using immunohistochemistry, MC2R was localized to the fetal-type Leydig cell population of the neonatal testis. ACTH caused a time-dependent increase in cyclic AMP (cAMP) and testosterone production by isolated cells with an increase in cAMP apparent in < 3 min. There was no additive effect of maximally stimulating doses of ACTH and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Androgen production in response to ACTH and hCG was reduced by UO126 and dexamethasone, which are the inhibitors of ERK1/2 and phospholipase A2 respectively. Expression of mRNA encoding StAR was increased fourfold by both ACTH and hCG, although expression of mRNA encoding for steroidogenic enzymes was not markedly affected. The potency of N-terminal fragments of ACTH to stimulate androgen production was similar to that seen previously in the adrenal. Data indicate that both LH and ACTH, acting through their respective receptors, stimulate steroidogenesis by fetal-type Leydig cells via arachidonic acid, protein kinase A, and ERK1/2 activation of StAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Johnston
- Division of Cell Sciences, Institute of Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
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20
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Yamaguchi H, Zhu J, Yu T, Sasaki K, Umetsu H, Kidachi Y, Ryoyama K. Low-level bisphenol A increases production of glial fibrillary acidic protein in differentiating astrocyte progenitor cells through excessive STAT3 and Smad1 activation. Toxicology 2006; 226:131-42. [PMID: 16860915 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2006.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2006] [Revised: 06/13/2006] [Accepted: 06/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on the differentiation of serum-free mouse embryo (SFME) cells, the astrocyte progenitor cells in the central nervous system, were examined. SFME cells were exposed to 10 ng/ml leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and 10ng/ml bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) to increase glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression and induce cell differentiation. Various concentrations of BPA (0.1 pg/ml-1 microg/ml) were then added to determine their effects on the cell differentiation. SFME cells were effectively differentiated by LIF and BMP2 in completely serum-free cultures. Cell proliferation following cell differentiation was not significantly affected by low-level BPA. However, GFAP expression was significantly increased in SFME cells in the presence of 1-100 pg/ml BPA. These increases were due to excessive activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 1 (Smad1) by the low-level BPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Yamaguchi
- Graduate School of Environmental Sciences, Aomori University, 2-3-1 Kobata, Aomori 030-0943, Japan.
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21
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O'Shaughnessy PJ, Baker PJ, Johnston H. Neuroendocrine regulation of Leydig cell development. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2006; 1061:109-19. [PMID: 16467262 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1336.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
During development in the mouse, two populations of Leydig cells arise sequentially. The fetal Leydig cell population arises shortly after testicular differentiation and functions primarily to produce androgens that are essential for masculinization of the fetus. The origin of the fetal Leydig stem cells remains uncertain, but it has been suggested that adrenocortical cells and fetal Leydig cells may share a common origin in an adrenogenital primordium. The fetal Leydig cells require an intact pituitary for normal development and are sensitive to both luteinizing hormone (LH) and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). Loss of either one of these hormones does not, however, affect fetal androgen production, suggesting that both LH and ACTH may act to maintain fetal Leydig cell function in vivo in a redundant fashion. The adult Leydig cell population starts to develop soon after birth in the mouse. Initial differentiation does not appear to require gonadotropin input, but subsequent development and function are completely dependent upon LH. The adult Leydig cells do not require circulating follicle-stimulating hormone, provided that LH is present, but androgen stimulation, through the androgen receptor, is required for normal Leydig cell development in the mouse. It is likely that the effects of androgen are mediated directly in the Leydig cells or indirectly through the peritubular cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J O'Shaughnessy
- Division of Cell Sciences, Institute of Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Bearsden Rd., Glasgow G61 1QH Scotland, UK.
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22
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Sriraman V, Anbalagan M, Rao AJ. Hormonal regulation of Leydig cell proliferation and differentiation in rodent testis: a dynamic interplay between gonadotrophins and testicular factors. Reprod Biomed Online 2005; 11:507-18. [PMID: 16274617 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)61147-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Studies over the last few decades have documented that LH is the principal regulator of Leydig cell function. Recent studies indicate that locally produced intratesticular factors are equally important in modulating Leydig cell development and function. In the present review, results of studies on Leydig development and function with rodent models, in conjunction with recent advances in our understanding, are discussed. Studies on Leydig cell development revealed that there are two different waves of proliferation: the first one is independent of LH and the other is dependent on LH. In addition to LH, FSH plays a major role in Leydig cell development and function by modulating the production of Sertoli cell-derived factors. Studies directed towards understanding the oestrogen-mediated inhibition of Leydig cell proliferation revealed that collagen IV-mediated signalling is involved in Leydig cell proliferation and 17beta-oestradiol inhibits this event. Leydig cell proliferation and differentiation is associated with changes in gene expression. Research in this area has identified several genes that are involved in Leydig cell proliferation and differentiation; the possible role of these genes in the context of Leydig cell development are discussed in this review.
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23
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Abstract
Significant advances have taken place in our knowledge of the enzymes involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis since the last comprehensive review in 1988. Major developments include the cloning, identification, and characterization of multiple isoforms of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which play a critical role in the biosynthesis of all steroid hormones and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase where specific isoforms are essential for the final step in active steroid hormone biosynthesis. Advances have taken place in our understanding of the unique manner that determines tissue-specific expression of P450aromatase through the utilization of alternative promoters. In recent years, evidence has been obtained for the expression of steroidogenic enzymes in the nervous system and in cardiac tissue, indicating that these tissues may be involved in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones acting in an autocrine or paracrine manner. This review presents a detailed description of the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of active steroid hormones, with emphasis on the human and mouse enzymes and their expression in gonads, adrenal glands, and placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita H Payne
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, California 94305-5317, USA.
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24
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Geigerseder C, Doepner RFG, Thalhammer A, Krieger A, Mayerhofer A. Stimulation of TM3 Leydig cell proliferation via GABA(A) receptors: a new role for testicular GABA. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2004; 2:13. [PMID: 15040802 PMCID: PMC416489 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-2-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2003] [Accepted: 03/24/2004] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and subtypes of GABA receptors were recently identified in adult testes. Since adult Leydig cells possess both the GABA biosynthetic enzyme glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), as well as GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptors, it is possible that GABA may act as auto-/paracrine molecule to regulate Leydig cell function. The present study was aimed to examine effects of GABA, which may include trophic action. This assumption is based on reports pinpointing GABA as regulator of proliferation and differentiation of developing neurons via GABA(A) receptors. Assuming such a role for the developing testis, we studied whether GABA synthesis and GABA receptors are already present in the postnatal testis, where fetal Leydig cells and, to a much greater extend, cells of the adult Leydig cell lineage proliferate. Immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, Western blotting and a radioactive enzymatic GAD assay evidenced that fetal Leydig cells of five-six days old rats possess active GAD protein, and that both fetal Leydig cells and cells of the adult Leydig cell lineage possess GABA(A) receptor subunits. TM3 cells, a proliferating mouse Leydig cell line, which we showed to possess GABA(A) receptor subunits by RT-PCR, served to study effects of GABA on proliferation. Using a colorimetric proliferation assay and Western Blotting for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) we demonstrated that GABA or the GABA(A) agonist isoguvacine significantly increased TM3 cell number and PCNA content in TM3 cells. These effects were blocked by the GABA(A) antagonist bicuculline, implying a role for GABA(A) receptors. In conclusion, GABA increases proliferation of TM3 Leydig cells via GABA(A) receptor activation and proliferating Leydig cells in the postnatal rodent testis bear a GABAergic system. Thus testicular GABA may play an as yet unrecognized role in the development of Leydig cells during the differentiation of the testicular interstitial compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christof Geigerseder
- Anatomisches Institut der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Biedersteinerstr.29, D-80802 München, Germany
| | - Richard FG Doepner
- Anatomisches Institut der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Biedersteinerstr.29, D-80802 München, Germany
| | - Andrea Thalhammer
- Anatomisches Institut der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Biedersteinerstr.29, D-80802 München, Germany
| | - Annette Krieger
- Anatomisches Institut der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Biedersteinerstr.29, D-80802 München, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Anatomisches Institut der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Biedersteinerstr.29, D-80802 München, Germany
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