Effects of Ethanol Treatment on Leydig Cellular NADPH-Generating Enzymes and Lipid Profiles.

Abstract

Abstract.Effects

Effects of ethanol ingestion on insulin binding to rat leydig cells

“…Replenishment of depleted gonadotropin receptor (7) as well as restoration of testosterone to control levels on withdrawal of ethanol have been reported previously (9). In this study, the withdrawal of ethanol treatment for 30 days resulted in restoration of the serum insulin, insulin binding to Leydig cells and Leydig cellular steroidogenic enzymes to normal, conforming that some ethanol-induced damage is reversible.…”

“…Testes were removed, weighed and the Leydig cells were isolated (8), purified by discontinuous percoll gradient centrifugation and identified by histochemical localization of 3fi-HSD staining (9). The presence of dark blue formazen deposits defined the Leydig cells.…”

“…Nevertheless, the role of ethanol-induced decrease in LH action cannot be ruled out as it is the maj or factor regulating Leydig cell function. Previous studies revealed an impaired NADPH generation in Leydig cell due to ethanol treatment (9). This may be one of the reasons for the reduction in 17fl-HSD activity since NADPH is an essential cofactor for the expression of enzyme activity.…”

“…The low serum testosterone level in alcoholics and ethanol treated animals (9,24,27) represents the consequence of both the direct and indirect inhibitory effects of ethanol on Leydig cellular steroidogenesis. Since the biosynthesis of testosterone in rat Leydig cells is also stimulated by the direct interactions of insulin with its specific receptors, decreased insulin binding may be an another contributor along with that of impaired LH action by which subnormal serum testosterone results from chronic high dose alcohol ingestion.…”

Reversal of alcohol induced testicular hyperlipidemia by supplementation of ascorbic acid and its comparison with abstention in male guinea pigs

“…G6PDH and malic enzyme are known to provide NADPH, the essential co-factor for steroidogenesis and lipogenesis in testis [48]. A reduction in the activity of NADPH generating enzymes, G6PDH and malic enzyme in testis of ethanol-treated animals was observed.…”