Leydig Cell Hyperplasia in an ENU-induced Mutant Mouse with Germ Cell Depletion

摘要: Repro22 is an N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-induced mutation in mice showing depletion of both male and female germ cells. In the present study, we investigated phenotypes mutant mouse at adult stage. The repro22/repro22 homozygous showed reduced body weights as well markedly testis weights. Histological examination testes 4 10 months age no cells seminiferous tubules affected while a number Sertoli were observed tubules. addition to cell depletion, contained expanded intertubular spaces that filled by Leydig cell-like interstitial These confirmed be immunohistochmical staining using anti-3β-HSD antibody. estimated increased approximately 2 fold compared with those normal testes. Furthermore, plasma testosterone levels significantly higher than mice. findings indicated developed hyperplasia was presumably caused absence