Leydig Cell Structure and Steroidogenic Function
1983; Elsevier BV; Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/b978-0-12-571139-5.50019-7
Autores Tópico(s)Reproductive Physiology in Livestock
ResumoThis chapter reviews the spatial organization of the testosterone biosynthesizing apparatus in the testis. It focuses on the control gained by separating enzymes inter- and intracellularly. The chapter explains that Leydig cell steroidogenic activity is closely correlated with structure. It also discusses the advances in stereology and in vitro perfusion techniques which facilitate the study of Leydig cell structure and function. It presents the results which show that Leydig cell steroidogenic activity is correlated closely with structure, particularly with the surface area of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The chapter additionally describes the effect of luteinizing hormone (LH) on the number and volume of Leydig cells, and on the surface area of Leydig cell cytoplasmic organelle membranes. Testosterone is derived almost exclusively from Leydig cells. Therefore, one form of regulation of testosterone production is to control Leydig cell division, growth, differentiation, and/or death. This regulatory strategy is used commonly because fetal development and pubertal masculinization are associated with the appearance of morphologically recognizable, steroidogenically active Leydig cells.
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