REGULATION OF ANDROGEN SECRETION IN MAMMALIAN TESTES

这项研究的长期目标是阐明 黄体生成素营养调节细胞的数量、超微结构和类固醇的生成 间质细胞在成年大鼠睾丸中的功能。我们将使用体视学 技术(从2维结构量化3维结构 切片)以确定间质细胞的数量和体积以及 间质细胞器的表面积 类固醇合成酶。此外，我们将使用体外睾丸灌注来 测定睾酮分泌能力，线粒体胆固醇侧 链断裂(CSCC)活性和平滑内质网(SER)17 间质细胞中α-羟基酶/C17，20裂解酶的活性 细胞结构和内在生理控制是完好无损的。最后， 我们将使用一种特定的抗体来确定生物合成和 17α羟基酶/C17，20裂解酶的降解；限速 间质细胞SER酶序列中的类固醇合成反应 用于将孕烯醇酮转化为睾酮。信息将会是 黄体生成素是否营养调节间质细胞分裂 和/或分化；促黄体生成素是否控制间质细胞线粒体的生长 和/或分裂和CSCC活性；以及促黄体生成素是否调节17α 羟基酶/C17，20裂解酶的生物合成、活性和/或降解。

The long term goal of this research is to elucidate the mechanism by which LH trophically regulates the number, ultrastructure, and steroidogenic function of Leydig cells in adult rat testes. We will use stereological techniques (quantification of 3-dimensional structures from 2-dimensional cross-sections) to determine the number, and volume of Leydig cells and the surface area of Leydig cell cytoplasmic organelles which contain steroidogenic enzymes. Also, we will use in vitro testicular perfusion to determine testosterone secreting capacity, mitochondrial cholesterol side chain cleavage (Cscc) activity, and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) 17 alpha Hydroxylase/C17, 20 Lyase activity in Leydig cells in which the cytoarchitecture and intrinsic physiologic controls are intact. Finally, we will use a specific antibody to determine the biosynthesis and degradation of 17 alpha Hydroxylase/C17,20 Lyase; the rate limiting steroidogenic reaction in the Leydig cell SER enzyme sequence responsible for the conversion of pregnenolone to testosterone. Information will be forthcoming on: whether LH trophically regulates Leydig cell division and/or differentiation; whether LH controls Leydig cell mitochondria growth and/or division and Cscc activity; and whether LH regulates 17 alpha Hydroxylase/C17,20 Lyase biosynthesis, activity and/or degradation.