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Effect of extracellular matrix proteins on in vitro testosterone production by rat Leydig cells
Author(s) -
Diaz Emilce S.,
Pellizzari Eliana,
Meroni Silvina,
Cigorraga Selva,
Lustig Livia,
Denduchis Berta
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.10111
Subject(s) - fibronectin , laminin , extracellular matrix , leydig cell , biology , integrin , medicine , testosterone (patch) , endocrinology , in vitro , cell adhesion , cell culture , type iv collagen , matrix (chemical analysis) , microbiology and biotechnology , cell , chemistry , biochemistry , hormone , luteinizing hormone , genetics , chromatography
The aim of this study was to detect the effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins on rat Leydig cell shape, adhesion, expression of integrin subunits and testosterone production, in vitro. Leydig cells isolated from adult rats were cultured on plates uncoated or coated with different concentrations of laminin‐1, fibronectin, or type IV collagen in the presence or absence of hCG for 3 or 24 hr. A significant increase of cell adhesion and of α3, α5, and β1 integrin subunit expression was observed when cells were cultured on ECM proteins, compared to those grown on uncoated plates. Leydig cells cultured on glass coverslips coated with ECM proteins for 24 hr exhibited elongated shapes with long cell processes (spreading), while cells cultured on uncoated plates showed few cell processes. A significant decrease in testosterone production was observed when basal and hCG‐stimulated Leydig cells were cultured for 3 or 24 hr on plates coated with type IV collagen (12 and 24 μg/cm 2 ) compared to uncoated plates. A significant though a slighter decrease in testosterone production was also observed in cells cultured on plates coated with fibronectin (12 and 24 μg/cm 2 ), compared to uncoated plates. Laminin‐1 did not modify testosterone production under basal or hCG stimulated conditions. These results suggest that ECM proteins are able to modulate Leydig cell steroidogenesis, in vitro. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 61:493–503, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.