Developmental changes in testicular interstitial cell populations, LH receptors and in the response to hCG in the rat.

摘要: Summary High doses of hCG were administered to immature rats different ages and the animals killed 48 h later. Serum testosterone increased 2 4-fold over control values after hCG. In-vitro androgen production showed patterns according age. Animals younger than 35 days, when treated with hCG, retained ability respond in-vitro gonadotrophic stimulation. This was lost in testes from aged 45 days. The number free LH-receptors diminished increasing age become non-detectable at In proportion differentiated Leydig cells relation their mesenchymal precursors progressively reach highest administration induced a shift cellular composition interstitium toward more mature cell types. has predominantly trophic action on young rats, promoting differentiation. These effects are minimal older animals. It is proposed that observed biochemical responses result balance between increase LH receptors steroidogenic enzymes developing new generation down-regulation enzymatic lesions fully cells.