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Jiang K, Jorgensen JS. Fetal Leydig cells: What we know and what we don't. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23739. [PMID: 38480999 PMCID: PMC11135463 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
During male fetal development, testosterone plays an essential role in the differentiation and maturation of the male reproductive system. Deficient fetal testosterone production can result in variations of sex differentiation that may cause infertility and even increased tumor incidence later in life. Fetal Leydig cells in the fetal testis are the major androgen source in mammals. Although fetal and adult Leydig cells are similar in their functions, they are two distinct cell types, and therefore, the knowledge of adult Leydig cells cannot be directly applied to understanding fetal Leydig cells. This review summarizes our current knowledge of fetal Leydig cells regarding their cell biology, developmental biology, and androgen production regulation in rodents and human. Fetal Leydig cells are present in basement membrane-enclosed clusters in between testis cords. They originate from the mesonephros mesenchyme and the coelomic epithelium and start to differentiate upon receiving a Desert Hedgehog signal from Sertoli cells or being released from a NOTCH signal from endothelial cells. Mature fetal Leydig cells produce androgens. Human fetal Leydig cell steroidogenesis is LHCGR (Luteinizing Hormone Chronic Gonadotropin Receptor) dependent, while rodents are not, although other Gαs -protein coupled receptors might be involved in rodent steroidogenesis regulation. Fetal steroidogenesis ceases after sex differentiation is completed, and some fetal Leydig cells dedifferentiate to serve as stem cells for adult testicular cell types. Significant gaps are acknowledged: (1) Why are adult and fetal Leydig cells different? (2) What are bona fide progenitor and fetal Leydig cell markers? (3) Which signaling pathways and transcription factors regulate fetal Leydig cell steroidogenesis? It is critical to discover answers to these questions so that we can understand vulnerable targets in fetal Leydig cells and the mechanisms for androgen production that when disrupted, leads to variations in sex differentiation that range from subtle to complete sex reversal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keer Jiang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Joan S. Jorgensen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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2
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Cannarella R, Condorelli RA, Gusmano C, Garofalo V, Aversa A, Calogero AE, La Vignera S. Predictive role of 17α-hydroxy-progesterone serum levels of response to follicle-stimulating hormone in patients with abnormal sperm parameters. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:1193-1202. [PMID: 37748551 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the possible role of serum 17α-hydroxy-progesterone (17αOH-P) levels in predicting favorable responses to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) administration in patients with normal serum FSH levels and idiopathic abnormal sperm parameters. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING University-affiliated fertility center. PATIENTS Fifty patients with oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and/or teratozoospermia and normal serum levels of gonadotropins and total testosterone (TT). INTERVENTION Treatment with exogenous FSH is administered subcutaneously at a dose of 150 IU 3 times a week for 3 consecutive months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Luteinizing hormone levels, FSH levels, TT levels, 17αOH-P levels, testicular volume, conventional sperm parameters, and seminal spermatid concentration were evaluated before and after therapy. To evaluate the predictive role of pretreatment serum 17αOH-P levels on FSH responsiveness, the doubling of sperm concentration at the end of the FSH administration was considered a positive outcome. RESULTS After therapy, patients showed a significant increase in sperm concentration, total sperm count (TSC), progressive motility, percentage of normal forms, FSH levels, TT levels, and testicular volume. There was a negative correlation between pretreatment 17αOH-P levels and the posttreatment increase in sperm concentration, TSC, progressive motility, and normal morphology, and a positive correlation with the posttreatment increase in spermatids. Predictive analysis showed that 17αOH-P levels (<1.18 ng/mL) foretold a doubling of sperm concentration with a sensitivity of 90.0% and a specificity of 73.3%, and of TSC with a sensitivity of 91.3% and a specificity of 81.48%. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that pretreatment serum levels of 17αOH-P, a marker of steroidogenic function, appear to be able to predict the success of subcutaneous administration of exogenous FSH in terms of spermatogenesis improvement. Receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that 17αOH-P levels (<1.18 ng/mL) predict a doubling of sperm concentration and TSC after exogenous FSH administration to patients with idiopathic abnormal sperm parameters and normal gonadotropin levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carmelo Gusmano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Garofalo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Aversa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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3
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Functions of Steroid Hormones in the Male Reproductive Tract as Revealed by Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032748. [PMID: 36769069 PMCID: PMC9917565 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones are capable of diffusing through cell membranes to bind with intracellular receptors to regulate numerous physiological processes. Three classes of steroid hormones, namely androgens, estrogens and glucocorticoids, contribute to the development of the reproductive system and the maintenance of fertility. During the past 30 years, mouse models have been produced in which the expression of genes encoding steroid hormone receptors has been enhanced, partially compromised or eliminated. These mouse models have revealed many of the physiological processes regulated by androgens, estrogens and to a more limited extent glucocorticoids in the testis and male accessory organs. In this review, advances provided by mouse models that have facilitated a better understanding of the molecular regulation of testis and reproductive tract processes by steroid hormones are discussed.
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Overland MR, Li Y, Derpinghaus A, Aksel S, Cao M, Ladwig N, Cunha GR, Himelreich-Perić M, Baskin LS. Development of the human ovary: Fetal through pubertal ovarian morphology, folliculogenesis and expression of cellular differentiation markers. Differentiation 2023; 129:37-59. [PMID: 36347737 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
A definition of normal human fetal and early postnatal ovarian development is critical to the ability to accurately diagnose the presence or absence of functional ovarian tissue in clinical specimens. Through assembling an extensive histologic and immunohistochemical developmental ontogeny of human ovarian specimens from 8 weeks of gestation through 16 years of postnatal, we present a comprehensive immunohistochemical mapping of normal protein expression patterns in the early fetal through post-pubertal human ovary and detail a specific expression-based definition of the early stages of follicular development. Normal fetal and postnatal ovarian tissue is defined by the presence of follicular structures and characteristic immunohistochemical staining patterns, including granulosa cells expressing Forkhead Box Protein L2 (FOXL2). However, the current standard array of immunohistochemical markers poorly defines ovarian stromal tissue, and additional work is needed to identify new markers to advance our ability to accurately identify ovarian stromal components in gonadal specimens from patients with disorders of sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R Overland
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Amber Derpinghaus
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Sena Aksel
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Nicholas Ladwig
- Department of Pathology, University of California, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Marta Himelreich-Perić
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Laurence S Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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Aksel S, Cao M, Derpinghaus A, Baskin LS, Cunha GR. Ontogeny of mouse Sertoli, Leydig and peritubular myoid cells from embryonic day 10 to adulthood. Differentiation 2023; 129:96-108. [PMID: 35317954 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We present a comprehensive description of the differentiating somatic cell types (Sertoli, Leydig, and peritubular myoid cells) of the mouse testis from embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5) to adulthood, postnatal day 60 (P60). Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze expression of: Sox9 (a Sertoli cell marker), 3βHSD-1 (a fetal Leydig cell marker), 3βHSD-6 (an adult Leydig cell marker), α-actin (a peritubular myoid cell marker), and androgen receptor (a marker of all three somatic cell types). The temporal-spatial expression of these markers was used to interrogate findings of earlier experimental studies on the origin of Sertoli, Leydig and peritubular myoid cells, as well as extend previous descriptive studies across a broader developmental period (E10.5-P60). Such comparisons demonstrate inconsistencies that require further examination and raise questions regarding conservation of developmental mechanisms across higher vertebrate species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sena Aksel
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Amber Derpinghaus
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Laurence S Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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Wang Q, Yan Q, Nan J, Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhao X. Syce1 and Syce3 regulate testosterone and dihydrotestosterone synthesis via steroidogenic pathways in mouse Sertoli and Leydig cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 223:106135. [PMID: 35697131 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2022.106135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are the main hormones regulating reproduction and development of male animals. Although their synthesis and secretion are regulated by the endocrine system [hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (adrenal) axis], it is also possible to synthesize T and DHT from the induction of two proteins: Syce1 and Syce3. As central elements of the synaptonemal complex (SC), Syce1 and Syce3 play a key role in the association of homologous chromosomes during meiosis. However, Syce1 and Syce3 also promote the synthesis of T and DHT, although potential mechanisms have yet to be revealed. In this study, Leydig and Sertoli cells, which are responsible for the production and regulation of steroid hormones in testis, were transfected with recombinant Syce1/Syce3 and silence sequence. Our results revealed the highest expression of Syce1 and Syce3 in spermatogenic cells of the testis. Moreover, overexpression or knockdown of Syce1 and Syce3 in Sertoli and Leydig cells resulted in activation or suppression of steroidogenic genes Star and Hsd3b, which are involved in a steroidogenic pathway that upregulates T synthesis. Upregulated expression of Syce1 resulted in a significant increase in Srd5a1, which can promote DHT secretion. Interestingly, Syce1 and Syce3 overexpression synergistically promoted each other's abundance. Our results define a previously unknown mechanism of Syce1 and Syce3 dependent activation of steroidogenic signaling in Sertoli and Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Qiu Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jinghong Nan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jie Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
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7
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Understanding the Underlying Molecular Mechanisms of Meiotic Arrest during In Vitro Spermatogenesis in Rat Prepubertal Testicular Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115893. [PMID: 35682573 PMCID: PMC9180380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro spermatogenesis appears to be a promising approach to restore the fertility of childhood cancer survivors. The rat model has proven to be challenging, since germ cell maturation is arrested in organotypic cultures. Here, we report that, despite a meiotic entry, abnormal synaptonemal complexes were found in spermatocytes, and in vitro matured rat prepubertal testicular tissues displayed an immature phenotype. RNA-sequencing analyses highlighted up to 600 differentially expressed genes between in vitro and in vivo conditions, including genes involved in blood-testis barrier (BTB) formation and steroidogenesis. BTB integrity, the expression of two steroidogenic enzymes, and androgen receptors were indeed altered in vitro. Moreover, most of the top 10 predicted upstream regulators of deregulated genes were involved in inflammatory processes or immune cell recruitment. However, none of the three anti-inflammatory molecules tested in this study promoted meiotic progression. By analysing for the first time in vitro matured rat prepubertal testicular tissues at the molecular level, we uncovered the deregulation of several genes and revealed that defective BTB function, altered steroidogenic pathway, and probably inflammation, could be at the origin of meiotic arrest.
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8
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Ibrahim IA, Shalaby AA, Abd Elaziz RT, Bahr HI. Chlorella vulgaris or Spirulina platensis mitigate lead acetate-induced testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis with regard to androgen receptor expression in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:39126-39138. [PMID: 33754266 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13411-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The current research was constructed to throw the light on the protective possibility of Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) and Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) against lead acetate-promoted testicular dysfunction in male rats. Forty rats were classified into four groups: (i) control, (ii) rats received lead acetate (30 mg/kg bw), (iii) rats concomitantly received lead acetate and C. vulgaris (300 mg/kg bw), (vi) rats were simultaneously treated with lead acetate and S. platensis (300 mg/kg bw) via oral gavage for 8 weeks. Lead acetate promoted testicular injury as expressed with fall in reproductive organ weights and gonadosomatic index (GSI). Lead acetate disrupted spermatogenesis as indicated by sperm cell count reduction and increased sperm malformation percentage. Lead acetate-deteriorated steroidogenesis is evoked by minimized serum testosterone along with maximized follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Testicular oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic cascades are revealed by elevated acid phosphatase (ACP) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) serum leakage, declined testicular total antioxidative capacity (TAC) with elevated total oxidative capacity (TOC), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), caspase-3 levels, lessened androgen receptor (AR) expression, and histopathological lesions against control. Our research highlights that C. vulgaris or S. platensis therapy can modulate lead acetate-promoted testicular dysfunction via their antioxidant activity as expressed by elevated TAC and reduced TOC, immunomodulatory effect as indicated by lessened TNF-α level, and anti-apoptotic potential that was revealed by minimized caspase-3 levels. As well as restoration of testicular histoarchitecture, androgen receptor, steroidogenesis, and spermatogenesis were detected with better impacts to S. platensis comparing with C. vulgaris. Therefore, further clinical trials are needed to test S. platensis and C. vulgaris as a promising candidate in treating male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim A Ibrahim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Vet. Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Abeir A Shalaby
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Vet. Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Raghda T Abd Elaziz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Vet. Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Hoda I Bahr
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Vet. Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
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O'Donnell L, Smith LB, Rebourcet D. Sertoli cells as key drivers of testis function. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:2-9. [PMID: 34229950 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells are the orchestrators of spermatogenesis; they support fetal germ cell commitment to the male pathway and are essential for germ cell development, from maintenance of the spermatogonial stem cell niche and spermatogonial populations, through meiosis and spermiogeneis and to the final release of mature spermatids during spermiation. However, Sertoli cells are also emerging as key regulators of other testis somatic cells, including supporting peritubular myoid cell development in the pre-pubertal testis and supporting the function of the testicular vasculature and in contributing to testicular immune privilege. Sertoli cells also have a major role in regulating androgen production within the testis, by specifying interstitial cells to a steroidogenic fate, contributing to androgen production in the fetal testis, and supporting fetal and adult Leydig cell development and function. Here, we provide an overview of the specific roles for Sertoli cells in the testis and highlight how these cells are key drivers of testicular sperm output, and of adult testis size and optimal function of other testicular somatic cells, including the steroidogenic Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza O'Donnell
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Lee B Smith
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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Navin AK, Aruldhas MM, Navaneethabalakrishnan S, Mani K, Michael FM, Srinivasan N, Banu SK. Prenatal exposure to hexavalent chromium disrupts testicular steroidogenic pathway in peripubertal F 1 rats. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 101:63-73. [PMID: 33675932 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We have reported sub-fertility in F1 progeny rats with gestational exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], which had disrupted Sertoli cell (SC) structure and function, and decreased testosterone (T). However, the underlying mechanism for reduced T remains to be understood. We tested the hypothesis "transient prenatal exposure to Cr(VI) affects testicular steroidogenesis by altering hormone receptors and steroidogenic enzyme proteins in Leydig cells (LCs)." Pregnant Wistar rats were given drinking water containing 50, 100, and 200 mg/L potassium dichromate during gestational days 9-14, encompassing fetal differentiation window of the testis from the bipotential gonad. F1 male rats were euthanized on postnatal day 60 (peripubertal rats with adult-type LCs alone). Results showed that prenatal exposure to Cr(VI): (i) increased accumulation of Cr(III) in the testis of F1 rats; (ii) increased serum levels of luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones (LH and FSH), and 17β estradiol, and decreased prolactin and T; (iii) decreased steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cytochrome P450 11A1, cytochrome P450 17A1, 3β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, cytochrome P450 aromatase and 5α reductase proteins, (iv) decreased specific activities of 3β and 17β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases; (v) decreased receptors of LH, androgen and estrogen in LCs; (vi) decreased 5α reductase and receptor proteins of FSH, androgen, and estrogen in SCs. The current study concludes that prenatal exposure to Cr(VI) disrupts testicular steroidogenesis in F1 progeny by repressing hormone receptors and key proteins of the steroidogenic pathway in LCs and SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajit Kumar Navin
- Department of Endocrinology, Dr. A.L.M. Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Taramani-Velachery Link Road, Chennai, 600113, Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, TAMU-4458, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Mariajoseph Michael Aruldhas
- Department of Endocrinology, Dr. A.L.M. Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Taramani-Velachery Link Road, Chennai, 600113, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Shobana Navaneethabalakrishnan
- Department of Endocrinology, Dr. A.L.M. Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Taramani-Velachery Link Road, Chennai, 600113, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kathireshkumar Mani
- Department of Endocrinology, Dr. A.L.M. Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Taramani-Velachery Link Road, Chennai, 600113, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Felicia Mary Michael
- Department of Anatomy, Dr. A.L.M. Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Taramani-Velachery Link Road, Chennai, 600113, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Narasimhan Srinivasan
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Health City, Kelambakkam, 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sakhila K Banu
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, TAMU-4458, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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Anand-Ivell R, Tremellen K, Soyama H, Enki D, Ivell R. Male seminal parameters are not associated with Leydig cell functional capacity in men. Andrology 2021; 9:1126-1136. [PMID: 33715296 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a constitutive, secreted peptide produced in the male uniquely by the Leydig cells of the testes. It is a biomarker for Leydig cell functional capacity, which is a measure of the numbers and differentiation status of these steroidogenic cells and lacks the biological and technical variance of the steroid testosterone. This retrospective study was carried out to examine the relationship between seminal parameters and the Leydig cell compartment, and secondarily to assess other factors responsible for determining Leydig cell functional capacity. METHODS INSL3 was assessed together with seminal, anthropometric, and hormonal parameters in a Swedish cohort of 18-year-old men, representing the average population, and in a smaller, more heterogeneous cohort of men visiting an Australian infertility clinic. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Average INSL3 concentration at 18 years is greater than that reported at younger or older ages and indicated a large 10-fold variation. In neither cohort was there a relationship between INSL3 concentration and any semen parameter. For the larger, more uniform Swedish cohort of young men, there was a significant negative relationship between INSL3 and BMI, supporting the idea that adult Leydig cell functional capacity may be established during puberty. In both cohorts, there was a significant relationship between INSL3 and FSH, but not LH concentration. No relationship was found between INSL3 and androgen receptor trinucleotide repeat polymorphisms, reinforcing the notion that Leydig cell functional capacity is unlikely to be determined by androgen influence alone. Nor did INSL3 correlate with the T/LH ratio, an alternative measure of Leydig cell functional capacity, supporting the view that these are independent measures of Leydig cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelton Tremellen
- Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.,Repromed, Dulwich, SA, Australia
| | - Hiroaki Soyama
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Defense Medical College Hospital, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Doyo Enki
- School of Medicine, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK.,School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
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12
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Walker WH. Androgen Actions in the Testis and the Regulation of Spermatogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:175-203. [PMID: 34453737 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone is essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility. In this review, topics related to testosterone control of spermatogenesis are covered including testosterone production and levels in the testis, classical and nonclassical testosterone signaling pathways, cell- and temporal-specific expression of the androgen receptor in the testis and autocrine and paracrine signaling of testis cells in the testis. Also discussed are the contributions of testosterone to testis descent, the blood-testis barrier, control of gonocyte numbers and spermatogonia expansion, completion of meiosis and attachment and release of elongaed spermatids. Testosterone-regulated genes identified in various mouse models of idsrupted Androgen receptor expression are discussed. Finally, examples of synergism and antagonism between androgen and follicle-stimulating hormone signaling pathways are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Walker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Hutka M, Smith LB, Goossens E, Wallace WHB, Stukenborg JB, Mitchell RT. Exogenous Gonadotrophin Stimulation Induces Partial Maturation of Human Sertoli Cells in a Testicular Xenotransplantation Model for Fertility Preservation. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9010266. [PMID: 31963729 PMCID: PMC7019512 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9010266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The future fertility of prepubertal boys with cancer may be irreversibly compromised by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Successful spermatogenesis has not been achieved following the xenotransplantation of prepubertal human testis tissue, which is likely due to the failure of somatic cell maturation and function. We used a validated xenograft model to identify the factors required for Leydig and Sertoli cell development and function in immature human testis. Importantly, we compared the maturation status of Sertoli cells in xenografts with that of human testis tissues (n = 9, 1 year-adult). Human fetal testis (n = 6; 14–21 gestational weeks) tissue, which models many aspects of prepubertal testicular development, was transplanted subcutaneously into castrated immunocompromised mice for ~12 months. The mice received exogenous human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; 20IU, 3×/week). In xenografts exposed continuously to hCG, we demonstrate the maintenance of Leydig cell steroidogenesis, the acquisition of features of Sertoli cell maturation (androgen receptor, lumen development), and the formation of the blood–testis barrier (connexin 43), none of which were present prior to the transplantation or in xenografts in which hCG was withdrawn after 7 months. These studies provide evidence that hCG plays a role in Sertoli cell maturation, which is relevant for future investigations, helping them generate functional gametes from immature testis tissue for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marsida Hutka
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; (M.H.); (L.B.S.)
| | - Lee B. Smith
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; (M.H.); (L.B.S.)
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - W. Hamish B. Wallace
- Department of Oncology and Haematology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, 9 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh EH9 1LF, UK;
| | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna SE-17164, Sweden;
| | - Rod T. Mitchell
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; (M.H.); (L.B.S.)
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, 9 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh EH9 1LF, UK
- Correspondence:
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La Vignera S, Condorelli RA, Cannarella R, Cimino L, Mongioi' L, Duca Y, Giacone F, Calogero AE. Testosterone levels after treatment with urofollitropin in infertile patients with idiopathic mild reduction of testicular volume. Endocrine 2019; 66:381-385. [PMID: 31240459 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-019-01983-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A reduction of testicular volume (TV) represents an important clinical sign, which may hide sperm abnormalities and predispose to hypogonadism. AIM The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of total testosterone after treatment with urofollitropin in selected patients with male infertility and idiopathic mild reduction of testicular volume. METHODS In this 1-year-long prospective design, patients with abnormal sperm parameters, mild reduction in TV (8-12 mL) and normal gonadotropin, and total testosterone (TT) serum levels were recruited in this study. Patients treated for 4 months with urofollitropin were included in group A, those treated with intracytoplasmatic sperm injection due to a female-factor infertility were included in group B. Hormone values, sperm parameters, and TV were detected at baseline (T0), after 4 (T1) and 12 months (T2) in group A and at T0 and T2 in group B. RESULTS Group A (n = 80) showed increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) at T1 and sperm morphology at T1 and T2 compared to T0 (all p < 0.05). Group B (n = 50) had lower TT and higher FSH levels at T2 compared to T0 (all p < 0.05). At T2, TT, VT, total sperm count, progressive motility, total motility, and sperm morphology were higher in group A compared to group B (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Reduced TV may predispose to infertility and hypogonadism. FSH treatment may improve Sertoli and Leydig cell function and prevent the development of hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Laura Cimino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Laura Mongioi'
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ylenia Duca
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Giacone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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15
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Shima Y. Development of fetal and adult Leydig cells. Reprod Med Biol 2019; 18:323-330. [PMID: 31607792 PMCID: PMC6780029 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In mammals, two distinct Leydig cell populations, fetal Leydig cells (FLCs) and adult Leydig cells (ALCs), appear in the prenatal and postnatal testis, respectively. Although the functional differences between these cell types have been well described, the developmental relationship between FLCs and ALCs has not been fully understood. In this review, I focus on the cellular origins of FLCs and ALCs as well as the developmental and functional links between them. METHODS I surveyed previous reports about FLC and/or ALC development and summarized the findings. MAIN FINDINGS Fetal Leydig cells and ALCs were identified to have separate origins in the fetal and neonatal testis, respectively. However, several studies suggested that FLCs and ALCs share a common progenitor pool. Moreover, perturbation of FLC development at the fetal stage induces ALC dysfunction in adults, suggesting a functional link between FLCs and ALCs. Although the lineage relationship between FLCs and ALCs remains controversial, a recent study suggested that some FLCs dedifferentiate at the fetal stage, and that these cells serve as ALC stem cells. CONCLUSION Findings obtained from animal studies might provide clues to the causative mechanisms of male reproductive dysfunctions such as testicular dysgenesis syndrome in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Shima
- Department of AnatomyKawasaki Medical SchoolKurashikiOkayamaJapan
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16
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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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17
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Rebourcet D, Darbey A, Monteiro A, Soffientini U, Tsai YT, Handel I, Pitetti JL, Nef S, Smith LB, O'Shaughnessy PJ. Sertoli Cell Number Defines and Predicts Germ and Leydig Cell Population Sizes in the Adult Mouse Testis. Endocrinology 2017; 158:2955-2969. [PMID: 28911170 PMCID: PMC5659676 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Sertoli cells regulate differentiation and development of the testis and are essential for maintaining adult testis function. To model the effects of dysregulating Sertoli cell number during development or aging, we have used acute diphtheria toxin-mediated cell ablation to reduce Sertoli cell population size. Results show that the size of the Sertoli cell population that forms during development determines the number of germ cells and Leydig cells that will be present in the adult testis. Similarly, the number of germ cells and Leydig cells that can be maintained in the adult depends directly on the size of the adult Sertoli cell population. Finally, we have used linear modeling to generate predictive models of testis cell composition during development and in the adult based on the size of the Sertoli cell population. This study shows that at all ages the size of the Sertoli cell population is predictive of resulting testicular cell composition. A reduction in Sertoli cell number/proliferation at any age will therefore lead to a proportional decrease in germ cell and Leydig cell numbers, with likely consequential effects on fertility and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Rebourcet
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Annalucia Darbey
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Monteiro
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Ugo Soffientini
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Yi Ting Tsai
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Handel
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Luc Pitetti
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Lee B Smith
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Peter J O'Shaughnessy
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
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Role of the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Regulating the Behavior of Germline Stem Cells. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:5714608. [PMID: 28883837 PMCID: PMC5572616 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5714608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline stem cells (GSCs) are adult stem cells that are responsible for the production of gametes and include spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and ovarian germline stem cells (OGSCs). GSCs are located in a specialized microenvironment in the gonads called the niche. Many recent studies have demonstrated that multiple signals in the niche jointly regulate the proliferation and differentiation of GSCs, which is of significance for reproductive function. Previous studies have demonstrated that the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway participates in the proliferation and differentiation of various stem cells, including GSCs in Drosophila and male mammals. Furthermore, the discovery of mammalian OGSCs challenged the traditional opinion that the number of primary follicles is fixed in postnatal mammals, which is of significance for the reproductive ability of female mammals and the treatment of diseases related to germ cells. Meanwhile, it still remains to be determined whether the Hh signaling pathway participates in the regulation of the behavior of OGSCs. Herein, we review the current research on the role of the Hh signaling pathway in mediating the behavior of GSCs. In addition, some suggestions for future research are proposed.
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19
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Ye L, Li X, Li L, Chen H, Ge RS. Insights into the Development of the Adult Leydig Cell Lineage from Stem Leydig Cells. Front Physiol 2017; 8:430. [PMID: 28701961 PMCID: PMC5487449 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult Leydig cells (ALCs) are the steroidogenic cells in the testes that produce testosterone. ALCs develop postnatally from a pool of stem cells, referred to as stem Leydig cells (SLCs). SLCs are spindle-shaped cells that lack steroidogenic cell markers, including luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The commitment of SLCs into the progenitor Leydig cells (PLCs), the first stage in the lineage, requires growth factors, including Dessert Hedgehog (DHH) and platelet-derived growth factor-AA. PLCs are still spindle-shaped, but become steroidogenic and produce mainly androsterone. The next transition in the lineage is from PLC to the immature Leydig cell (ILC). This transition requires LH, DHH, and androgen. ILCs are ovoid cells that are competent for producing a different form of androgen, androstanediol. The final stage in the developmental lineage is ALC. The transition to ALC involves the reduced expression of 5α-reductase 1, a step that is necessary to make the cells to produce testosterone as the final product. The transitions along the Leydig cell lineage are associated with the progressive down-regulation of the proliferative activity, and the up-regulation of steroidogenic capacity, with each step requiring unique regulatory signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leping Ye
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, China
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, China
| | - Haolin Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, China
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20
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Guerra MT, Sanabria M, Leite GAA, Borges CS, Cucielo MS, Anselmo-Franci JA, Foster WG, Kempinas WG. Maternal exposure to butyl paraben impairs testicular structure and sperm quality on male rats. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2017; 32:1273-1289. [PMID: 27444704 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Parabens are hormonally active chemicals widely used as preservatives in foods and are frequently detected in human fluids and tissues. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of maternal butyl paraben (BP) exposure on male sexual development. Pregnant Wistar rats received corn oil (control group), or BP at doses of 10, 100, or 200 mg/kg, subcutaneously, from gestational day 12 until postnatal day 21. Our results demonstrated that developmental BP exposure significantly increased the number of adult Leydig cells and the circulating concentrations of testosterone and attenuated FSH and LH concentrations at 200 mg/kg. BP exposure adversely affected spermatogenesis kinetics at doses of 10 and 200 mg/kg and provoked a decrease in the immunostaining of EsR1 and AR at 200 mg/kg. The sperm motility was impaired at the 10 mg/kg dose, and sperm head abnormalities were increased in all BP dose groups. We suggest that BP impairs testicular structure and function in the rat, affecting sperm quality. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1273-1289, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina T Guerra
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito De Rubião Jr S/N, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Marciana Sanabria
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito De Rubião Jr S/N, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Gabriel A A Leite
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito De Rubião Jr S/N, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Cibele S Borges
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito De Rubião Jr S/N, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Maira S Cucielo
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito De Rubião Jr S/N, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Janete A Anselmo-Franci
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Morphology, Stomatology and Physiology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, USP, Avenida Do Café S/N, Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo, 14040904, Brazil
| | - W G Foster
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - W G Kempinas
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito De Rubião Jr S/N, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, 18618-970, Brazil
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21
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Chong YH, Pankhurst MW, McLennan IS. The Testicular Hormones AMH, InhB, INSL3, and Testosterone Can Be Independently Deficient in Older Men. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2017; 72:548-553. [PMID: 27470300 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glw143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Late-onset hypogonadism is symptomatically diverse and not fully explained by circulating testosterone level. The adult testes secrete four distinct hormones (testosterone, AMH, INSL3, and InhB) into the circulation. Testosterone and InhB have proven dynamic regulation, with limited information available for AMH and INSL3. During aging, there is cellular senescence, which may underlie the diversity of hypogonadism. This leads to the postulate that the relative levels (profile) of the four testicular hormones in older men are variable and cannot be evaluated by the measurement of one hormone. Methods 111 men aged 19-50 years and 98 men aged 70-90 years were examined. The circulating levels of the testicular hormones were measured using ELISAs, and the variation in the levels of hormones was analyzed by various correlative analyses. Results All four hormones were largely or totally independent. Some men were deficient in multiple hormones, but no man had multiple elevated hormones. The average hormonal levels were lower in older men, with diverse profiles of the four testicular hormones. Hence, some men had one or more hormones below the reference range, with testosterone the most conserved. Consequently, testosterone levels were not indicative of the complete state of the endocrine testes. Conclusions The four hormones vary independently of each other, in younger and older men. This indicates that they are regulated dynamically rather than influenced by endocrine cell number. Older men exhibited diverse profiles of low levels of testicular hormones, suggesting that the testes age differently between men. Testosterone alone inadequately describes gonadal states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yih Harng Chong
- Department of Anatomy, Otago School of Medical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Department of Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, New Zealand
| | - Michael W Pankhurst
- Department of Anatomy, Otago School of Medical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ian S McLennan
- Department of Anatomy, Otago School of Medical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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22
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Hazra R, Upton D, Desai R, Noori O, Jimenez M, Handelsman DJ, Allan CM. Elevated expression of the Sertoli cell androgen receptor disrupts male fertility. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2016; 311:E396-404. [PMID: 27354237 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00159.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we created a unique gain-of-function mouse model with Sertoli cell-specific transgenic androgen receptor expression (TgSCAR) showing that SCAR activity controls the synchronized postnatal development of somatic Sertoli and Leydig cells and meiotic-postmeiotic germ cells. Moderate TgSCAR (TgSCAR(m)) expression reduced testis size but had no effect on male fertility. Here, we reveal that higher TgSCAR expression (TgSCAR(H)) causes male infertility. Higher SCAR activity, shown by upregulated AR-dependent transcripts (Rhox5, Spinw1), resulted in smaller adult TgSCAR(H) testes (50% of normal) despite normal or elevated circulating and intratesticular testosterone levels. Unlike fertile TgSCAR(m) males, testes of adult TgSCAR(H) males exhibited focal regions of interstitial hypertrophy featuring immature adult Leydig cells and higher intratesticular dihydrotestosterone and 5α-androstane 3α,17β-diol levels that are normally associated with pubertal development. Mature TgSCAR(H) testes also exhibited markedly reduced Sertoli cell numbers (70%), although meiotic and postmeiotic germ cell/Sertoli cell ratios were twofold higher than normal, suggesting that elevated TgSCAR activity supports excessive spermatogenic development. Concurrent with the higher germ cell load of TgSCAR(H) Sertoli cells were increased levels of apoptotic germ cells in TgSCAR(H) relative to TgSCAR(m) testes. In addition, TgSCAR(H) testes displayed unique morphological degeneration that featured accumulated cellular and spermatozoa clusters in dilated channels of rete testes, consistent with reduced epididymal sperm numbers. Our findings reveal for the first time that excessive Sertoli cell AR activity in mature testes can reach a level that disturbs Sertoli/germ cell homeostasis, impacts focal Leydig cell function, reduces sperm output, and disrupts male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmani Hazra
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dannielle Upton
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Reena Desai
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Omar Noori
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Jimenez
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Charles M Allan
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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23
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Potter SJ, Kumar DL, DeFalco T. Origin and Differentiation of Androgen-Producing Cells in the Gonads. Results Probl Cell Differ 2016; 58:101-134. [PMID: 27300177 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-31973-5_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Sexual reproduction is dependent on the activity of androgenic steroid hormones to promote gonadal development and gametogenesis. Leydig cells of the testis and theca cells of the ovary are critical cell types in the gonadal interstitium that carry out steroidogenesis and provide key androgens for reproductive organ function. In this chapter, we will discuss important aspects of interstitial androgenic cell development in the gonad, including: the potential cellular origins of interstitial steroidogenic cells and their progenitors; the molecular mechanisms involved in Leydig cell specification and differentiation (including Sertoli-cell-derived signaling pathways and Leydig-cell-related transcription factors and nuclear receptors); the interactions of Leydig cells with other cell types in the adult testis, such as Sertoli cells, germ cells, peritubular myoid cells, macrophages, and vascular endothelial cells; the process of steroidogenesis and its systemic regulation; and a brief discussion of the development of theca cells in the ovary relative to Leydig cells in the testis. Finally, we will describe the dynamics of steroidogenic cells in seasonal breeders and highlight unique aspects of steroidogenesis in diverse vertebrate species. Understanding the cellular origins of interstitial steroidogenic cells and the pathways directing their specification and differentiation has implications for the study of multiple aspects of development and will help us gain insights into the etiology of reproductive system birth defects and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Potter
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Deepti Lava Kumar
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Tony DeFalco
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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MacKrell JG, Yaden BC, Bullock H, Chen K, Shetler P, Bryant HU, Krishnan V. Molecular targets of androgen signaling that characterize skeletal muscle recovery and regeneration. NUCLEAR RECEPTOR SIGNALING 2015; 13:e005. [PMID: 26457071 PMCID: PMC4599140 DOI: 10.1621/nrs.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The high regenerative capacity of adult skeletal muscle relies on a self-renewing depot of adult stem cells, termed muscle satellite cells (MSCs). Androgens, known mediators of overall body composition and specifically skeletal muscle mass, have been shown to regulate MSCs. The possible overlapping function of androgen regulation of muscle growth and MSC activation has not been carefully investigated with regards to muscle regeneration.Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine coinciding androgen-mediated genetic changes in an in vitro MSC model and clinically relevant in vivo models. A gene signature was established via microarray analysis for androgen-mediated MSC engagement and highlighted several markers including follistatin (FST), IGF-1, C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR). In an in vivo muscle atrophy model, androgen re-supplementation significantly increased muscle size and expression of IGF-1, FST, and HGF, while significantly decreasing expression of GR. Biphasic gene expression profiles over the 7-day re-supplementation period identified temporal androgen regulation of molecular targets involved in satellite cell engagement into myogenesis. In a muscle injury model, removal of androgens resulted in delayed muscle recovery and regeneration. Modifications in the androgen signaling gene signature, along with reduced Pax7 and MyoD expression, suggested that limited MSC activation and increased inflammation contributed to the delayed regeneration. However, enhanced MSC activation in the androgen-deplete mouse injury model was driven by an androgen receptor (AR) agonist. These results provide novel in vitro and in vivo evidence describing molecular targets of androgen signaling, while also increasing support for translational use of AR agonists in skeletal muscle recovery and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G MacKrell
- Musculoskeletal Research (JGM, BCY, HB, PS, HUB, VK), Lead Optimization Biology (KC), Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly & Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Benjamin C Yaden
- Musculoskeletal Research (JGM, BCY, HB, PS, HUB, VK), Lead Optimization Biology (KC), Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly & Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Heather Bullock
- Musculoskeletal Research (JGM, BCY, HB, PS, HUB, VK), Lead Optimization Biology (KC), Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly & Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Keyue Chen
- Musculoskeletal Research (JGM, BCY, HB, PS, HUB, VK), Lead Optimization Biology (KC), Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly & Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Pamela Shetler
- Musculoskeletal Research (JGM, BCY, HB, PS, HUB, VK), Lead Optimization Biology (KC), Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly & Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Henry U Bryant
- Musculoskeletal Research (JGM, BCY, HB, PS, HUB, VK), Lead Optimization Biology (KC), Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly & Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Venkatesh Krishnan
- Musculoskeletal Research (JGM, BCY, HB, PS, HUB, VK), Lead Optimization Biology (KC), Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly & Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Shima Y, Matsuzaki S, Miyabayashi K, Otake H, Baba T, Kato S, Huhtaniemi I, Morohashi KI. Fetal Leydig Cells Persist as an Androgen-Independent Subpopulation in the Postnatal Testis. Mol Endocrinol 2015; 29:1581-93. [PMID: 26402718 DOI: 10.1210/me.2015-1200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Two distinct types of Leydig cells emerge during the development of eutherian mammals. Fetal Leydig cells (FLCs) appear shortly after gonadal sex differentiation, and play a crucial role in masculinization of male fetuses. Meanwhile, adult Leydig cells (ALCs) emerge after birth and induce the secondary male-specific sexual maturation by producing testosterone. Previous histological studies suggested that FLCs regress completely soon after birth. Furthermore, gene disruption studies indicated that androgen signaling is dispensable for FLC differentiation but indispensable for postnatal ALC differentiation. Here, we performed lineage tracing of FLCs using a FLC enhancer of the Ad4BP/SF-1 (Nr5a1) gene and found that FLCs persist in the adult testis. Given that postnatal FLCs expressed androgen receptor (AR) as well as LH receptor (LuR), the effects of AR disruption on FLCs and ALCs were analyzed by crossing AR knockout (KO) mice with FLC-specific enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) mice. Moreover, to eliminate the influence of elevated LH levels in ARKO mice, LuRKO mice and AR/LuR double-KO mice were analyzed. The proportion of ALCs to postnatal FLCs was decreased in ARKO mice, and the effect was augmented in the double-KO mice, suggesting that androgen signaling plays important roles in ALCs, but not in FLCs. Finally, ARKO was achieved in an FLC-specific manner (FLCARKO mice), but the FLC number and gene expression pattern appeared unaffected. These findings support the conclusion that FLCs persist as an androgen-independent Leydig subpopulation in the postnatal testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Shima
- Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., S.M., K.M., H.O., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Soma Central Hospital (S.K.), Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (I.H.), Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; and Department of Physiology (I.H.), University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Sawako Matsuzaki
- Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., S.M., K.M., H.O., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Soma Central Hospital (S.K.), Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (I.H.), Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; and Department of Physiology (I.H.), University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Kanako Miyabayashi
- Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., S.M., K.M., H.O., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Soma Central Hospital (S.K.), Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (I.H.), Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; and Department of Physiology (I.H.), University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Hiroyuki Otake
- Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., S.M., K.M., H.O., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Soma Central Hospital (S.K.), Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (I.H.), Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; and Department of Physiology (I.H.), University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Takashi Baba
- Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., S.M., K.M., H.O., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Soma Central Hospital (S.K.), Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (I.H.), Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; and Department of Physiology (I.H.), University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Shigeaki Kato
- Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., S.M., K.M., H.O., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Soma Central Hospital (S.K.), Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (I.H.), Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; and Department of Physiology (I.H.), University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., S.M., K.M., H.O., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Soma Central Hospital (S.K.), Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (I.H.), Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; and Department of Physiology (I.H.), University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Ken-ichirou Morohashi
- Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., S.M., K.M., H.O., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Soma Central Hospital (S.K.), Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (I.H.), Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; and Department of Physiology (I.H.), University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
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Xue Y, Ying L, Horst RL, Watson G, Goltzman D. Androgens Attenuate Vitamin D Production Induced by UVB Irradiation of the Skin of Male Mice by an Enzymatic Mechanism. J Invest Dermatol 2015. [PMID: 26214382 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2015.297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous exposure to UVB irradiation is an important source of vitamin D. Here, we examined sex-specific differences in cutaneous vitamin D production in mice. Both male and female mice on a vitamin D-deficient diet manifested vitamin D deficiency, with mineral abnormalities, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and osteomalacia. UVB irradiation significantly increased vitamin D levels in the skin of female mice and normalized serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels, as well as mineral and skeletal abnormalities. However, in male mice, the vitamin D response to UVB was attenuated and mineral and skeletal abnormalities were not normalized. The vitamin D precursor, 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC), was significantly lower in the skin of male than female mice. This reduction was due to local androgen action in the skin as demonstrated by castration studies and skin-specific androgen receptor deletion in male mice, both of which reversed the male phenotype. Local androgen regulation in the skin of the CYP11A1 gene, which encodes a crucial enzyme that metabolizes cholesterol, 7DHC, and vitamin D, appeared to contribute to the gender differences in UVB-induced vitamin D production and to its reversal of vitamin D deficiency. Sex-specific, enzymatically regulated differences in cutaneous production of vitamin D may therefore be of importance to ensure vitamin D sufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingben Xue
- Department of Medicine, Calcium Research Laboratory and the Centre for Translational Biology, McGill University Health Centre Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lee Ying
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Ronald L Horst
- Heartland Assays LLC. 2711 South Loop Drive, Suite 4400, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Gordon Watson
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California, USA
| | - David Goltzman
- Department of Medicine, Calcium Research Laboratory and the Centre for Translational Biology, McGill University Health Centre Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Dwyer AA, Phan-Hug F, Hauschild M, Elowe-Gruau E, Pitteloud N. TRANSITION IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Hypogonadism in adolescence. Eur J Endocrinol 2015; 173:R15-24. [PMID: 25653257 DOI: 10.1530/eje-14-0947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Puberty is a remarkable developmental process with the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis culminating in reproductive capacity. It is accompanied by cognitive, psychological, emotional, and sociocultural changes. There is wide variation in the timing of pubertal onset, and this process is affected by genetic and environmental influences. Disrupted puberty (delayed or absent) leading to hypogonadism may be caused by congenital or acquired etiologies and can have significant impact on both physical and psychosocial well-being. While adolescence is a time of growing autonomy and independence, it is also a time of vulnerability and thus, the impact of hypogonadism can have lasting effects. This review highlights the various forms of hypogonadism in adolescence and the clinical challenges in differentiating normal variants of puberty from pathological states. In addition, hormonal treatment, concerns regarding fertility, emotional support, and effective transition to adult care are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Dwyer
- Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism in Young Adults (CEMjA)EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism ServiceDivision of Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetology and ObesityDepartment of Pediatric Medicine and Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandDepartment of PhysiologyFaculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism in Young Adults (CEMjA)EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism ServiceDivision of Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetology and ObesityDepartment of Pediatric Medicine and Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandDepartment of PhysiologyFaculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Phan-Hug
- Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism in Young Adults (CEMjA)EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism ServiceDivision of Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetology and ObesityDepartment of Pediatric Medicine and Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandDepartment of PhysiologyFaculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism in Young Adults (CEMjA)EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism ServiceDivision of Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetology and ObesityDepartment of Pediatric Medicine and Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandDepartment of PhysiologyFaculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hauschild
- Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism in Young Adults (CEMjA)EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism ServiceDivision of Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetology and ObesityDepartment of Pediatric Medicine and Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandDepartment of PhysiologyFaculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism in Young Adults (CEMjA)EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism ServiceDivision of Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetology and ObesityDepartment of Pediatric Medicine and Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandDepartment of PhysiologyFaculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eglantine Elowe-Gruau
- Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism in Young Adults (CEMjA)EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism ServiceDivision of Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetology and ObesityDepartment of Pediatric Medicine and Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandDepartment of PhysiologyFaculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism in Young Adults (CEMjA)EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism ServiceDivision of Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetology and ObesityDepartment of Pediatric Medicine and Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandDepartment of PhysiologyFaculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nelly Pitteloud
- Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism in Young Adults (CEMjA)EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism ServiceDivision of Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetology and ObesityDepartment of Pediatric Medicine and Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandDepartment of PhysiologyFaculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism in Young Adults (CEMjA)EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism ServiceDivision of Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetology and ObesityDepartment of Pediatric Medicine and Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandDepartment of PhysiologyFaculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism in Young Adults (CEMjA)EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism ServiceDivision of Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetology and ObesityDepartment of Pediatric Medicine and Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandDepartment of PhysiologyFaculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism in Young Adults (CEMjA)EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism ServiceDivision of Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetology and ObesityDepartment of Pediatric Medicine and Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandDepartment of PhysiologyFaculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
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28
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Teerds KJ, Huhtaniemi IT. Morphological and functional maturation of Leydig cells: from rodent models to primates. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:310-28. [PMID: 25724971 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leydig cells (LC) are the sites of testicular androgen production. Development of LC occurs in the testes of most mammalian species as two distinct growth phases, i.e. as fetal and pubertal/adult populations. In primates there are indications of a third neonatal growth phase. LC androgen production begins in embryonic life and is crucial for the intrauterine masculinization of the male fetal genital tract and brain, and continues until birth after which it rapidly declines. A short post-natal phase of LC activity in primates (including human) termed 'mini-puberty' precedes the period of juvenile quiescence. The adult population of LC evolves, depending on species, in mid- to late-prepuberty upon reawakening of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, and these cells are responsible for testicular androgen production in adult life, which continues with a slight gradual decline until senescence. This review is an updated comparative analysis of the functional and morphological maturation of LC in model species with special reference to rodents and primates. METHODS Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched between December 2012 and October 2014. Studies published in languages other than English or German were excluded, as were data in abstract form only. Studies available on primates were primarily examined and compared with available data from specific animal models with emphasis on rodents. RESULTS Expression of different marker genes in rodents provides evidence that at least two distinct progenitor lineages give rise to the fetal LC (FLC) population, one arising from the coelomic epithelium and the other from specialized vascular-associated cells along the gonad-mesonephros border. There is general agreement that the formation and functioning of the FLC population in rodents is gonadotrophin-responsive but not gonadotrophin-dependent. In contrast, although there is in primates some controversy on the role of gonadotrophins in the formation of the FLC population, there is consensus about the essential role of gonadotrophins in testosterone production. Like the FLC population, adult Leydig cells (ALC) in rodents arise from stem cells, which have their origin in the fetal testis. In contrast, in primates the ALC population is thought to originate from FLC, which undergo several cycles of regression and redifferentiation before giving rise to the mature ALC population, as well as from differentiation of stem cells/precursor cells. Despite this difference in origin, both in primates and rodents the formation of the mature and functionally active ALC population is critically dependent on the pituitary gonadotrophin, LH. From studies on rodents considerable knowledge has emerged on factors that are involved besides LH in the regulation of this developmental process. Whether the same factors also play a role in the development of the mature primate LC population awaits further investigation. CONCLUSION Distinct populations of LC develop along the life span of males, including fetal, neonatal (primates) and ALC. Despite differences in the LC lineages of rodents and primates, the end product is a mature population of LC with the main function to provide androgens necessary for the maintenance of spermatogenesis and extra-gonadal androgen actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja J Teerds
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, De Elst 1, 6709 WD, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, W12 0NN London, UK Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland
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Wen Q, Zheng QS, Li XX, Hu ZY, Gao F, Cheng CY, Liu YX. Wt1 dictates the fate of fetal and adult Leydig cells during development in the mouse testis. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2014; 307:E1131-43. [PMID: 25336526 PMCID: PMC6189632 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00425.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Wilms' tumor 1 (Wt1) is a tumor suppressor gene encoding ∼24 zinc finger transcription factors. In the mammalian testis, Wt1 is expressed mostly by Sertoli cells (SCs) involved in testis development, spermatogenesis, and adult Leydig cell (ALC) steroidogenesis. Global knockout (KO) of Wt1 is lethal in mice due to defects in embryogenesis. Herein, we showed that Wt1 is involved in regulating fetal Leydig cell (FLC) degeneration and ALC differentiation during testicular development. Using Wt1(-/flox);Amh-Cre mice that specifically deleted Wt1 in the SC vs. age-matched wild-type (WT) controls, FLC-like-clusters were found in Wt1-deficient testes that remained mitotically active from postnatal day 1 (P1) to P56, and no ALC was detected at these ages. Leydig cells in mutant adult testes displayed morphological features of FLC. Also, FLC-like cells in adult mutant testes had reduced expression in ALC-associated genes Ptgds, Sult1e1, Vcam1, Hsd11b1, Hsd3b6, and Hsd17b3 but high expression of FLC-associated genes Thbs2 and Hsd3b1. Whereas serum LH and testosterone level in mutant mice were not different from controls, intratesticular testosterone level was significantly reduced. Deletion of Wt1 gene also perturbed the expression of steroidogenic enzymes Star, P450c17, Hsd3b6, Hsd3b1, Hsd17b1, and Hsd17b3. FLCs in adult mutant testes failed to convert androstenedione to testosterone due to a lack of Hsd17b3, and this defect was rescued by coculturing with fetal SCs. In summary, FLC-like cells in mutant testes are putative FLCs that remain mitotically active in adult mice, illustrating that Wt1 dictates the fate of FLC and ALC during postnatal testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; and
| | - Qiao-Song Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; and
| | - Xi-Xia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao-Yuan Hu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; and
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; and
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; and
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30
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O'Hara L, McInnes K, Simitsidellis I, Morgan S, Atanassova N, Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Kula K, Szarras-Czapnik M, Milne L, Mitchell RT, Smith LB. Autocrine androgen action is essential for Leydig cell maturation and function, and protects against late-onset Leydig cell apoptosis in both mice and men. FASEB J 2014; 29:894-910. [PMID: 25404712 PMCID: PMC4422361 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-255729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Leydig cell number and function decline as men age, and low testosterone is associated with all “Western” cardio-metabolic disorders. However, whether perturbed androgen action within the adult Leydig cell lineage predisposes individuals to this late-onset degeneration remains unknown. To address this, we generated a novel mouse model in which androgen receptor (AR) is ablated from ∼75% of adult Leydig stem cell/cell progenitors, from fetal life onward (Leydig cell AR knockout mice), permitting interrogation of the specific roles of autocrine Leydig cell AR signaling through comparison to adjacent AR-retaining Leydig cells, testes from littermate controls, and to human testes, including from patients with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS). This revealed that autocrine AR signaling is dispensable for the attainment of final Leydig cell number but is essential for Leydig cell maturation and regulation of steroidogenic enzymes in adulthood. Furthermore, these studies reveal that autocrine AR signaling in Leydig cells protects against late-onset degeneration of the seminiferous epithelium in mice and inhibits Leydig cell apoptosis in both adult mice and patients with CAIS, possibly via opposing aberrant estrogen signaling. We conclude that autocrine androgen action within Leydig cells is essential for the lifelong support of spermatogenesis and the development and lifelong health of Leydig cells.—O’Hara, L., McInnes, K., Simitsidellis, I., Morgan, S., Atanassova, N., Slowikowska-Hilczer, J., Kula, K., Szarras-Czapnik, M., Milne, L., Mitchell, R. T., Smith, L. B. Autocrine androgen action is essential for Leydig cell maturation and function, and protects against late-onset Leydig cell apoptosis in both mice and men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura O'Hara
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kerry McInnes
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ioannis Simitsidellis
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Stephanie Morgan
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Nina Atanassova
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jolanta Slowikowska-Hilczer
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kula
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maria Szarras-Czapnik
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Laura Milne
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lee B Smith
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
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Rebourcet D, O’Shaughnessy PJ, Monteiro A, Milne L, Cruickshanks L, Jeffrey N, Guillou F, Freeman TC, Mitchell RT, Smith LB. Sertoli cells maintain Leydig cell number and peritubular myoid cell activity in the adult mouse testis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105687. [PMID: 25144714 PMCID: PMC4140823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The Sertoli cells are critical regulators of testis differentiation and development. In the adult, however, their known function is restricted largely to maintenance of spermatogenesis. To determine whether the Sertoli cells regulate other aspects of adult testis biology we have used a novel transgenic mouse model in which Amh-Cre induces expression of the receptor for Diphtheria toxin (iDTR) specifically within Sertoli cells. This causes controlled, cell-specific and acute ablation of the Sertoli cell population in the adult animal following Diphtheria toxin injection. Results show that Sertoli cell ablation leads to rapid loss of all germ cell populations. In addition, adult Leydig cell numbers decline by 75% with the remaining cells concentrated around the rete and in the sub-capsular region. In the absence of Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cell activity is reduced but the cells retain an ability to exclude immune cells from the seminiferous tubules. These data demonstrate that, in addition to support of spermatogenesis, Sertoli cells are required in the adult testis both for retention of the normal adult Leydig cell population and for support of normal peritubular myoid cell function. This has implications for our understanding of male reproductive disorders and wider androgen-related conditions affecting male health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Rebourcet
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J. O’Shaughnessy
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Monteiro
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Milne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lyndsey Cruickshanks
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan Jeffrey
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Florian Guillou
- Station de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC), Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 6073 INRA-CNRS-Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Tom C. Freeman
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rod T. Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lee B. Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Carney CM, Muszynski JL, Strotman LN, Lewis SR, O'Connell RL, Beebe DJ, Theberge AB, Jorgensen JS. Cellular microenvironment dictates androgen production by murine fetal Leydig cells in primary culture. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:85. [PMID: 25143354 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.118570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that fetal Leydig cells are recognized as the primary source of androgens in male embryos, the mechanisms by which steroidogenesis occurs within the developing testis remain unclear. A genetic approach was used to visualize and isolate fetal Leydig cells from remaining cells within developing mouse testes. Cyp11a1-Cre mice were bred to mT/mG dual reporter mice to target membrane-tagged enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) within steroidogenic cells, whereas other cells expressed membrane-tagged tandem-dimer tomato red. Fetal Leydig cell identity was validated using double-labeled immunohistochemistry against GFP and the steroidogenic enzyme 3beta-HSD, and cells were successfully isolated as indicated by qPCR results from sorted cell populations. Because fetal Leydig cells must collaborate with neighboring cells to synthesize testosterone, we hypothesized that the fetal Leydig cell microenvironment defined their capacity for androgen production. Microfluidic culture devices were used to measure androstenedione and testosterone production of fetal Leydig cells that were cultured in cell-cell contact within a mixed population, were isolated but remained in medium contact via compartmentalized co-culture with other testicular cells, or were isolated and cultured alone. Results showed that fetal Leydig cells maintained their identity and steroidogenic activity for 3-5 days in primary culture. Microenvironment dictated proficiency of testosterone production. As expected, fetal Leydig cells produced androstenedione but not testosterone when cultured in isolation. More testosterone accumulated in medium from mixed cultures than from compartmentalized co-cultures initially; however, co-cultures maintained testosterone synthesis for a longer time. These data suggest that a combination of cell-cell contact and soluble factors constitute the ideal microenvironment for fetal Leydig cell activity in primary culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M Carney
- Department of Comparative Bioscience, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jessica L Muszynski
- Department of Comparative Bioscience, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Lindsay N Strotman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Samantha R Lewis
- Department of Comparative Bioscience, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Rachel L O'Connell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - David J Beebe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Ashleigh B Theberge
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Joan S Jorgensen
- Department of Comparative Bioscience, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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Smith LB, Walker WH. The regulation of spermatogenesis by androgens. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 30:2-13. [PMID: 24598768 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 481] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2013] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone is essential for maintaining spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the molecular mechanisms by which testosterone acts have not begun to be revealed until recently. With the advances obtained from the use of transgenic mice lacking or overexpressing the androgen receptor, the cell specific targets of testosterone action as well as the genes and signaling pathways that are regulated by testosterone are being identified. In this review, the critical steps of spermatogenesis that are regulated by testosterone are discussed as well as the intracellular signaling pathways by which testosterone acts. We also review the functional information that has been obtained from the knock out of the androgen receptor from specific cell types in the testis and the genes found to be regulated after altering testosterone levels or androgen receptor expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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.
| | - William H Walker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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