Development and Function of the Adult Generation of Leydig Cells in Mice with Sertoli Cell-Selective or Total Ablation of the Androgen Receptor

Male Mice, Knockout Microscopy 0303 health sciences 571 Sertoli Cells 572 Knockout Age Factors Leydig Cells Cell Count Inbred C57BL Electron Androgen Mice, Inbred C57BL Mice Microscopy, Electron 03 medical and health sciences Receptors, Androgen Receptors Testis Androgens Animals Female
DOI: 10.1210/en.2005-0300 Publication Date: 2005-05-27T00:25:04Z
ABSTRACT
Abstract It is established that androgens and unidentified Sertoli cell (SC)-derived factors can influence the development of adult Leydig cells (LC) in rodents, but mechanisms are unclear. We evaluated LC function SC-selective androgen receptor (AR) knockout (SCARKO) complete AR (ARKO) mice. In controls, number increased 26-fold size by approximately 2-fold between 12 140 d age. SCARKOs was normal on 12, reduced more than 40% at later ages, although were larger contained lipid droplets mitochondria control adulthood. ARKO up to 83% all ages compared with did not increase beyond 12. Serum LH testosterone levels seminal vesicle weights comparable whereas elevated 8-fold ARKOs, appeared normal. Immunohistochemistry quantitative PCR for LC-specific markers indicated steroidogenic per probably ARKOs. SCARKOs, insulin-like factor-3 estrogen sulfotransferase (EST) mRNA expression unchanged 3-fold, respectively, both 90% Changes EST expression, coupled platelet-derived growth factor-A potential causes altered SCARKOs. These results show loss action SC has major consequences development, this could be mediated indirectly via and/or estrogens/EST.
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