REGULATION OF ANDROGEN SECRETION IN MAMMALIAN TESTES

本研究的长期目标是阐明 LH营养性调节细胞的数量、超微结构和类固醇生成。 成年大鼠睾丸间质细胞的功能。 我们将使用体视学 技术（从二维结构量化三维结构 横截面），以确定Leydig细胞的数量和体积， Leydig细胞胞质细胞器的表面积， 类固醇生成酶。 此外，我们将使用体外睾丸灌注， 测定睾酮分泌能力、线粒体胆固醇水平 链裂解（CSCC）活性和滑面内质网（SER）17 Leydig细胞中α羟化酶/C17，20裂解酶活性，其中 细胞结构和内在生理控制是完整的。 最后， 我们将使用特异性抗体来确定生物合成， 17 α羟化酶/C17，20裂解酶的降解;速率限制 睾丸间质细胞中的类固醇生成反应 将双烯醇酮转化为睾丸激素 信息将 即将到来的：LH是否营养调节Leydig细胞分裂 LH是否控制Leydig细胞线粒体生长 和/或分裂和CSCC活性;以及LH是否调节17 α 羟化酶/C17，20裂解酶生物合成、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.