Comparison of the cellular composition and steroidogenic properties of preparations of interstitial cells isolated from immature and mature rat testis.

The morphological and steroidogenic properties of preparations of interstitial cells isolated by collagenase treatment from testes of immature and mature rats have been compared. After additional purification on a Ficoll gradient, 80% of cells from mature rat testes were found to be Leydig cells; 20% were macrophages. Forty to sixty per cent of collagenase-dispersed cells isolated from immature rats were Leydig cells, 37% were mesenchymal cells and there were no macrophages. A preparation in which 90% cells were Leydig cells could be obtained from immature testes after further purification by centrifugation through a Percoll gradient. The distribution of steroidogenic enzymes through the gradient corresponded to the distribution of LH-dependent steroid production. The results indicate that the steroidogenic activity per Leydig cell from mature rats is fourfold greater than the activity in immature rat Leydig cells in control incubations or after stimulation with LH, dibutyryl cyclic AMP or in the presence of 22R-hydroxycholesterol.

The possible role of protein kinase C and phospholipids in the regulation of steroid production in rat Leydig cells.

We have studied the possible involvement of the activation of calcium-dependent phospholipid-activated protein kinase (PK-C) in the stimulatory action of LHRH on Leydig cells, using 4 beta-phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and phospholipase C (PL-C). LHRH agonist (LHRH-A) and PL-C had a large synergistic effect on LH-stimulated steroid production, whereas PMA inhibited the effect of LH. However, PMA always caused an increase in steroid production stimulated by various doses of dibutyryl cAMP. LH and PMA stimulated the phosphorylation of 17 and 33 kDa proteins, whereas LHRH-A and PL-C had no effect. Of all effectors used, LH had the most pronounced effect on the synthesis of 14, 27 and 30 kDa proteins. The present results suggest that the mechanisms of action of LHRH-A and PL-C on steroid production in Leydig cells may be similar and different from PMA, and may involve stimulation of a specific type of PK-C or hydrolysis of a specific pool of phospholipids.

Repopulation of Leydig cells in mature rats after selective destruction of the existent Leydig cells with ethylene dimethane sulfonate is dependent on luteinizing hormone and not follicle-stimulating hormone.

After selective destruction of Leydig cells in mature rats with ethylene dimethane sulfonate (EDS), repopulation of Leydig cells occurs. This repopulation process was studied in normal and sterile (prenatally irradiated) rats using morphological and histochemical techniques and by measuring hormone concentrations. Three days after administration of EDS to normal rats, extensive Leydig cell degeneration had occurred, testosterone concentrations were decreased to less than 10% of the normal value, and no 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity or pregnenolone production could be detected in isolated interstitial cells. Seven days after EDS administration, no cells with the appearance of Leydig cells were observed, and steroidogenic activities were still absent. After 14 days, single or paired Leydig cells were present again in the interstitium, but only after 21 days an increase in the plasma testosterone concentration and LH-dependent pregnenolone production was observed. On day 35, numerous Leydig cells were present, and testosterone levels were restored to normal. The depletion and repopulation of Leydig cells after administration of EDS to sterile rats showed a somewhat different pattern. Three days after administration of EDS, testosterone concentrations were decreased to less than 10% of the normal value, and isolated interstitial cells showed no steroidogenic activities as in normal rats, but a small number of Leydig cells was still present. A similar picture was observed between 4 and 9 days after EDS administration. This indicates that some Leydig cells from sterile rats, unlike Leydig cells from normal rats, were resistant to EDS. The repopulation of Leydig cells in sterile rats was faster than in normal rats. After 14 days, many groups of Leydig cells were present in the interstitium, and the plasma testosterone concentration and pregnenolone production in vitro were significantly increased. Normal plasma testosterone levels were restored on day 21. Serum LH and FSH were decreased immediately after EDS administration, but during the next days a sharp rise was observed in both normal and sterile rats. The rise in LH correlated with the decrease in testosterone, and restoration of LH levels took place when testosterone levels increased. FSH levels changed similarly, but were delayed, in comparison to LH. In rats with testosterone implants that suppressed LH levels to less than 2 ng/ml and maintained normal FSH levels, ranging from 150-340 ng/ml, as well as in hypophysectomized rats, no repopulation of Leydig cells could be observed until 35 days after EDS treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

In-vitro secretion of inhibin-like activity by Sertoli cells from normal and prenatally irradiated immature rats.

The influence of in-vitro conditions on the production of inhibin by Sertoli cells from 21-day-old normal and prenatally irradiated rat testes was studied by measuring inhibin activity in culture media, using the suppression of the release of FSH from cultured rat pituitary cells. Sertoli cells secreted inhibin-like activity during at least 21 days of culture, and cells cultured at 37 degrees C produced significantly more inhibin than those cultured at 32 degrees C. The presence of fetal calf serum had no significant effect on inhibin production at 32 degrees C, while at 37 degrees C the production was decreased. The presence of ovine FSH stimulated inhibin secretion, while inhibin concentrations in Sertoli cell culture media were decreased after the addition of testosterone. Testosterone, added together with ovine FSH, suppressed inhibin secretion when compared with the levels found in the presence of FSH alone. The presence of spermatogenic cells decreased the release of inhibin. From these results it was concluded that both Sertoli cells isolated from normal immature rat testes and those from testes without spermatogenic cells can secrete inhibin-like activity in culture. A number of discrepancies with in-vivo observations was observed. Therefore, it is likely that the in-vivo situation is too complicated for direct study of the regulation of inhibin production, because of mutual interactions between the testicular compartments.

Metabolism of radiolabelled energy-yielding substrates by rat Sertoli cells.

The rates of metabolism in vitro of 3H- or 14C-labelled glucose, pyruvate, glutamine and leucine by Sertoli cells from immature rats were estimated. The overall rate of glucose utilization exceeded by far the rates of oxidation of pyruvate (derived from glucose) via the citric acid cycle and glucose metabolism via the oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway. This pattern of glucose metabolism was not markedly altered after stimulation of glucose metabolism by FSH. The rate of oxidation of exogenous pyruvate indicated that the energy yield from glucose metabolism by Sertoli cells could be dependent on the extracellular concentrations of pyruvate and lactate. There is no evidence that a high rate of aerobic glycolysis is of vital importance for Sertoli cells. In medium containing glucose and all amino acids, 14C-labelled glutamine and leucine were converted to 14CO2 at considerable rates. It was calculated that the oxidation of glutamine and leucine in addition to glucose and fatty acids can yield much of the required energy of Sertoli cells.

Effect of glucose on ATP dephosphorylation in rat spermatids.

Round spermatids were isolated from rat testes and the effects of different energy-yielding substrates on the cellular ATP content were estimated. The ATP content was constant and high (6-8 nmol/10(6) cells) during metabolism of exogenous lactate. During incubation for 30 min in the absence of exogenous lactate, there was a remarkably slow decline of the ATP content, indicating ATP production from other substrates. It was shown that this could reflect beta-oxidation of fatty acids, but not the mobilization of an endogenous pool of acetylcarnitine. Glucose metabolism in the absence of exogenous lactate resulted in a rapid decline of the ATP content. This effect of glucose was correlated with a high fructose 1,6-biphosphate content (6-7 nmol/10(6) cells) and could be prevented by the addition of lactate. It is suggested that metabolism of glucose (and also mannose and fructose, but not galactose) in the absence of exogenous lactate can result in ATP dephosphorylation.

Stimulation of steroid production in isolated rat Leydig cells by unknown factors in testicular fluid differs from the effects of LH or LH-releasing hormone.

After the addition of charcoal-treated testicular fluid to Leydig cells isolated from 22-day-old rats, pregnenolone production could be increased to a maximum of tenfold within 30 min in a dose-dependent manner. Testicular fluid, but not serum, further increased pregnenolone formation threefold when pregnenolone production by Leydig cells was stimulated by the addition of LH-releasing hormone (fourfold), LH (25-fold) and 22R-hydroxycholesterol (300-fold). The effect of testicular fluid on steroid production in the presence of 22R-hydroxycholesterol was not inhibited by cycloheximide whereas cycloheximide completely inhibited the effect of LH. It appears unlikely that steroids, lipoproteins or other plasma components constitute the stimulatory agents in testicular fluid. The biologically active principles may be locally produced factors with a molecular weight greater than 25,000. Similar biological activities could be shown in testicular lymph from boars but not in systemic lymph from boars nor in charcoal-treated bovine follicular fluid. The presumably locally produced factor(s) may amplify the effect of LH and can thus act as a local modulator(s).

Effects of LH and an LH-releasing hormone agonist on different second messenger systems in the regulation of steroidogenesis in isolated rat Leydig cells.

The stimulation of steroid production in Leydig cells by LH is accompanied by increased cyclic AMP levels, activation of protein kinase A, increased phosphorylation of at least six phosphoproteins and requires protein synthesis. However, an LH-releasing hormone agonist (LHRH-A) can stimulate steroid production without stimulation of cyclic AMP levels. In the present study we have shown that LH action involves calcium fluxes through the plasma membrane, in addition to activation of protein kinase A. The action of LHRH-A, in contrast, does not require calcium fluxes and is not potentiated by 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine, indicating that cyclic AMP is not involved. Extracellular calcium is required for the action of both LH and LHRH-A. An increase in intracellular calcium concentration due to the effect of ionophore A23187 did not stimulate steroidogenesis and had deleterious effects on intracellular adenosinetriphosphate levels. LH and 4 beta-phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), an activator of protein kinase C, both stimulated phosphorylation of proteins of 17 000 and 33 000 mol. wt, whereas LHRH-A had no effect. However, compared with the effect of LH, PMA had a much smaller effect on steroid production, indicating that even if protein kinase C may be activated by LH its role in the regulation of steroid production may be less important than the role of protein kinase A. Action of LHRH-A does not appear to be mediated by calcium fluxes, protein kinase C activation or active protein phosphorylation.

Non-specific esterase: a specific and useful marker enzyme for Leydig cells from mature rats.

The presence of non-specific esterase activity is correlated with different Leydig cell characteristics: 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD), human chorionic gonadotrophin binding and LH-stimulated steroid production. This indicates that esterase can be used as a marker enzyme for Leydig cells. Esterase, however, has also been used as a marker enzyme for macrophages. We have compared, using biochemical and histochemical techniques, the esterase activity of Leydig cell preparations from mature and immature rats and of preparations enriched in testicular or peritoneal macrophages. Leydig cells were identified by staining for 3 beta-HSD, and macrophages by phagocytosis of fluorescent beads. Leydig cell preparations from mature rats showed an approximately 400-fold higher esterase activity than peritoneal macrophage preparations and an approximately 50-fold higher activity than testicular macrophage preparations. Leydig cell preparations from mature rats showed a 60-fold higher esterase activity than Leydig cell preparations from immature rats. Differences in esterase activity were also demonstrated histochemically. Leydig cells from mature rats showed positive esterase staining after 30 s at room temperature. Testicular macrophages showed esterase activity after staining for 3 min. Only approximately 25% of the 3 beta-HSD-positive cells from immature rats showed esterase activity after staining for 6 min. Esterase is therefore a useful marker enzyme for Leydig cells from mature rats and can be of help in studies concerning the development of these cells.

Characterization of androgen receptors after photoaffinity labelling with [3H]methyltrienolone (R1881).

The synthetic androgen 17 beta-hydroxy-17 alpha-[3H]methyl-4,9,11-estratrien-3-one (R1881) has been used as photoaffinity label to characterize androgen receptors in rat prostate, in a human transplantable prostatic adenocarcinoma (PC-82) and in calf uterus. Androgen receptors preparations were partially purified either via differential chromatography on 2',5'-ADP-Sepharose (rat prostate), via anion exchange fast protein liquid chromatography (rat prostate and PC-82) or via DNA-cellulose chromatography (calf uterus). Purification factors obtained with the three different methods were: 245, 75 and 40 respectively. Photolabelling of receptor preparations was performed via irradiation with a high pressure mercury lamp either before or after partial purification. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions showed that the DNA-binding form of the androgen receptor in calf uterus cytosol is a protein with a molecular mass of approx 95 kD. The covalent attachment of [3H]R1881 to the 95 kD protein could be completely suppressed by a 200-fold molar excess of dihydrotestosterone. In rat prostate cytosol an androgen receptor with a molecular mass of approx 50 kD could be photoaffinity labelled with R1881. A similar size was found for the androgen receptor in the human prostatic adenocarcinoma. Our results show that photoaffinity labelling of androgen receptors with [3H]R1881 as ligand can be applied for characterization of partial purified androgen receptor preparations.

Specific destruction of Leydig cells in mature rats after in vivo administration of ethane dimethyl sulfonate.

Effects of ethane dimethyl sulfonate (EDS) on Leydig cells have been studied using the following parameters: morphology, histochemistry of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) and esterase, quantitative activity of esterase, testosterone concentrations in plasma, and steroid production by isolated interstitial cells in vitro. Degenerating Leydig cells were observed within 16 h after the injection of mature rats with EDS (75 mg/kg body weight). At that time the testosterone concentration in plasma and the specific activity of esterase in testis tissue were decreased to approximately 35% and 60% of the control value, respectively. At 48 h after EDS only a few normal Leydig cells were left and the plasma testosterone concentration was less than 5% of the control value. The specific activity of esterase in total testis tissue was similar to the activity of dissected tubules from untreated rats. At 72 h no Leydig cells could be detected and no 3 beta-HSD and esterase-positive cells were present. At that time macrophages were still present in the interstitium and the appearance of the spermatogenic epithelium was normal, but 1 wk after EDS the elongation of spermatids was disturbed, probably due to a lack of testosterone. In some of the animals the cytotoxic effects of EDS on Leydig cells could be partly inhibited by human chorionic gonadotropin treatment. The basal steroid production by interstitial cells from mature rats 72 h after EDS was not significant and no stimulation by LH was observed, whereas no effect of EDS could be detected on steroid production by interstitial cells isolated from immature rats and mice 72 h after treatment. Other compounds with similar structures, such as butane dimethyl sulfonate (busulfan) and ethane methyl sulfonate (EMS) had no effect on Leydig cells from mature rats. It is concluded that EDS specifically destroys Leydig cells in mature rats.

Comparison between inhibin from human and bovine ovarian follicular fluid using fast protein liquid chromatography.

Inhibin from human and bovine ovarian follicular fluid was purified 700-900-fold using affinity chromatography on immobilized Procion Red 3B, desalting on Sephadex G-25, ion-exchange chromatography on the fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) columns Mono Q and Mono P and chromatography on immobilized lectins. Isoelectric points for inhibin from human and bovine origin were between 5.1-5.7 and 4.75-5.25, respectively. Inhibin from both sources was retained by immobilized lectins, indicating its association with a glycoprotein. Overall recoveries of inhibin activity after these chromatographic procedures were approximately 1%.

Ethane dimethane sulphonate (EDS) specifically inhibits LH stimulated steroidogenesis in Leydig cells isolated from mature rats but not in cells from immature rats.

Effects of ethane dimethane sulphonate (EDS) on the pattern of protein synthesis, steroid production and ATP levels in isolated Leydig cells have been investigated. After incubation of Leydig cells isolated from mature rats with EDS (75 micrograms/ml) for 3-5 h, the synthesis of a 33 kDA and 50 dKa protein and LH stimulated steroid production was inhibited, but the LH stimulated cAMP production and conversion of 22R-hydroxycholesterol to testosterone were not affected. Busulphan or ethyl methyl sulphonate (EMS) at similar molar concentrations had no effect on steroid production. After 24 h incubation with EDS Leydig cells were detached from the plastic surface and had rounded up, but the cellular ATP levels were the same as in control cells. Leydig cells were destroyed after incubation with EMS 2000 micrograms/ml for 24 h. EDS had no detectable effects on steroid production by isolated Leydig cells from mice, from Leydig cell tumour tissue or from immature rats, nor on rat adrenal cells or on LH and FSH secreting pituitary cells. The data indicate that EDS specifically inhibits LH regulated functional properties of mature Leydig cells possibly via alkylation of proteins. EDS could be a valuable tool to study possible regulator proteins for control of steroidogenesis in Leydig cells from adult rats.

Influence of neonatal hemicastration on in-vitro secretion of inhibin, gonadotrophins and testicular steroids in male rats.

Pituitary secretion of FSH in male animals is regulated, at least partly, by a protein hormone, inhibin, which is produced by Sertoli cells in the testes. To establish at which age the role of testicular inhibin in the regulation of FSH secretion becomes apparent, groups of male rats were hemicastrated or sham-operated on day 1 of life and pituitary and testicular function were investigated in vitro at 21, 42 or 63 days of age. Testis weights were increased in hemicastrated rats at all ages studied. Peripheral concentrations of gonadotrophins generally showed a good correlation with the concentrations of FSH and LH measured in the medium of hemipituitary glands which were incubated in vitro at 37 degrees C in the absence or presence of LH-releasing hormone. Peripheral testosterone concentrations in hemicastrated animals were not significantly different from those in sham-operated rats at all ages studied. Steroid production by Leydig cells in vitro was not significantly influenced by hemicastration. The secretion of inhibin by Sertoli cells from 21-day-old hemicastrated rats was decreased while Sertoli cells from 42- and 63-day-old hemicastrated animals secreted slightly but not significantly more inhibin than Sertoli cells from sham-operated rats. It is concluded that although compensatory increases of testosterone and inhibin production at later ages make it difficult to draw conclusions about the relative importance of inhibin in the feedback regulation of FSH secretion at different ages, it is likely that inhibin plays a role in the feedback of FSH in immature, rather than in mature male rats.

Comparison of the effects of insulin and follitropin on glucose metabolism by Sertoli cells from immature rats.

Sertoli cells were isolated from the testes of 3-week-old sterile rats (prenatally irradiated) and incubated for 3 days in the absence of added hormones. Subsequently the effects of follitropin and insulin on glucose metabolism were investigated using this in vitro system. A marked stimulation of net lactate production by either follitropin or insulin was observed within 3 h after addition of the hormones. This response was not inhibited in the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. Production of cAMP by the Sertoli cells was markedly enhanced by follitropin, but not at all by insulin. The addition of 0.5 mM dibutyryl cAMP to the incubation medium also resulted in a rapid increase of the rate of lactate production by the Sertoli cells. The stimulation of lactate production by follitropin and insulin was dose-dependent (ED50 of approx. 10 ng NIH-FSH-S13/ml and of approx. 50 ng insulin/ml). It is suggested that the observed effects of insulin on Sertoli cells are mediated via insulin receptors, rather than via receptors for insulin-like growth factors. Within 18 h after addition of either follitropin or insulin the cells became refractory with respect to lactate production to the homologous hormone, whereas the cells could still respond to the heterologous hormone. It is concluded, that follitropin and insulin, acting via different mechanisms, exert similar rapid stimulatory effects on glucose metabolism by Sertoli cells from immature rats in vitro. These effects are not dependent on de novo protein synthesis and may differ from long-term trophic effects of follitropin, insulin, and/or insulin-like growth factors.

Are polyphosphorylated phospholipids involved in the hormonal control of cholesterol side-chain cleavage activity in tumour Leydig cells?

The possible role of LH or dcAMP induced changes in polyphosphorylated phospholipid metabolism in the regulation of cholesterol side-chain cleavage activity has been studied in tumour Leydig cells. Mitochondria isolated from LH-stimulated Leydig cells were 400% more active in pregnenolone production than mitochondria from control cells. Steroid production in isolated mitochondria from control cells could be stimulated only 25% by cytosol fractions from stimulated cells and 100 microM phosphatidyl inositol-4'-phosphate (PtdIns4P). Other polyphosphorylated phospholipids were either inactive or showed aspecific effects. During a preincubation period tumour cells were labelled with [32P]phosphate and steady-state labelling was obtained for the pholyphosphorylated phospholipids after 40-60 min. [32P]Phosphate incorporation in Ptd Ins4P, phosphatidyl inositol (PtdIns), phosphatidyl choline (PtChl), phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PtdEtn) and cardiolipin (CL) was not affected by treatment of the Leydig cells with LH which stimulated (6-fold), or with cycloheximide which suppressed (4-fold) steroid production. A 25% increase of phosphate incorporation by LH was observed only in phosphatidyl inositol-4',5'-biphosphate (PtdIns4,5P2). 32P Incorporation in PtdIns4,5P2, PtdIns,PtdEtn and CL was stimulated by quinacrine 50 microM. Under these conditions the LH-stimulated pregnenolone production but not the 25-hydroxycholesterol dependent pregnenolone production, was completely inhibited. The results obtained with isolated mitochondria and intact cells indicate that increased levels of polyphosphorylated phospholipids are not consistently correlated with increased mitochondrial pregnenolone production. This argues against an important role of polyphosphorylated phospholipids in the hormonal regulation of cholesterol side-chain cleavage activity in tumour Leydig cells.

Is cAMP the obligatory second messenger in the action of lutropin on Leydig cell steroidogenesis.

Two adenylate cyclase inhibitors: 9-(tetrahydro-2-furyl)adenine and 2'5'-dideoxyadenosine decreased cAMP levels in LH-stimulated immature rat Leydig cells by 20-40%, independent of the concentration of LH. Steroid production was not correlated with this decrease in cAMP, but was increased (146%). The phorbol ester 4 beta-phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate stimulated steroidogenesis and the phosphorylation of a 17 kD and a 33 kD protein, which was also stimulated by LH, whereas the inactive phorbol ester 4 beta-phorbol-12,13-diacetate did not have any effects. Moreover, the Ca2+-channel blocker diltiazem inhibited LH effects, but had no direct effects on the cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme. It is concluded that cAMP may not be the only second messenger in LH action, and that other second messenger systems are probably also involved.

Lutropin stimulates de novo synthesis of short-lived proteins required for lutropin-dependent steroid production in tumour Leydig cells.

Continuous protein synthesis is required for the hormonal regulation of cholesterol side chain cleavage activity. A protein with a short half-life (t1/2 = 2-13 min) is believed to play an important role, but the regulation of the synthesis of this putative rapidly-turning-over protein is largely unknown. The steroid production rate in tumour Leydig cells can be increased more than 4-fold after addition of lutropin. However, steroid production by cells preincubated for 60 min with medium containing cycloheximide (89 microM) could not be stimulated when lutropin was added to the medium. Thus, the putative protein with the short half-life is apparently not derived from a stable precursor protein. Moreover, in tumour Leydig cells incubated with low concentrations of cycloheximide (0.2-0.8 microM), inhibition of steroid production was significantly greater in lutropin-stimulated cells than in control cells. These results support the hypothesis that lutropin regulates the de novo synthesis of rapidly-turning-over proteins by increasing the rate of initiation of the translation step of protein synthesis.

Changes of oestrogen receptor levels in Leydig cells from mice and rats during culture.

Two functional properties of Leydig cells in culture, i.e. LH-stimulated steroidogenesis and nuclear oestrogen receptor levels have been investigated. Leydig cells isolated from testes of immature rats and mature mice maintained their responsiveness to LH during 48-72 h of cell culture, although the mouse Leydig cells appeared to be less responsive to LH after 72 h of culture. In contrast, nuclear oestrogen receptor levels in both types of Leydig cells declined to 10-20% of the initial value after 24 h in culture. In the 48-72 h culture period nuclear oestrogen receptor levels recovered to 75% of the initial value only in Leydig cells from immature rats, whereas the nuclear oestrogen receptor levels in Leydig cells from mature mice remained low. These data demonstrate that during in vitro culture of Leydig cells, preservation of LH responsiveness does not necessarily warrant that other Leydig cell parameters e.g. nuclear oestrogen receptors also remain unaltered.

Intercellular pathway of leucine catabolism in rat spermatogenic epithelium.

A unique intercellular pathway of leucine catabolism was observed in vitro in rat spermatogenic epithelium. Sertoli cells convert leucine via transmination into 4-methyl-2-oxovalerate, and spermatocytes and spermatids reduce exogenous 4-methyl-2-oxovalerate to 2-hydroxy-4-methylvalerate, which is then released by the spermatogenic cells. The NADH-dependent reduction of 4-methyl-2-oxovalerate could be catalysed by the male-germ-cell-specific lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme LDH-C4 in the cytosol of the spermatogenic cells, concomitant with the NAD+-dependent conversion of exogenous lactate into pyruvate.