Leydig cells of the human testis possess astrocyte and oligodendrocyte marker molecules

Davidoff, M; Middendorff, Ralf; Köfüncü, E.; Müller, Dieter; Ježek, Davor; Holstein, A. F.

doi:10.1078/0065-1281-00630

Cited by 61 publications

(67 citation statements)

References 72 publications

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“…The current study was initiated because the testis shares clear homologies to the mammalian brain, in the possession of a blood-testis barrier 15 that is homologous to, but structurally distinct from, the blood-brain barrier. The blood-testis barrier is predominantly formed by tight junctions between Sertoli cells; 16 however, Leydig cells in the interstitial tissues that share antigenic homologies to astrocytes 16,17 may also influence barrier properties. The blood-brain barrier is induced by astrocytes and is constituted by tight junctions between endothelial cells.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Expression of multiple glutamate transporter splice variants in the rodent testis

Lee¹,

Anderson²,

Barnett³

et al. 2010

Asian J Androl

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Glutamate is a regulated molecule in the mammalian testis. Extracellular regulation of glutamate in the body is determined largely by the expression of plasmalemmal glutamate transporters. We have examined by PCR, western blotting and immunocytochemistry the expression of a panel of sodium-dependent plasmalemmal glutamate transporters in the rat testis. Proteins examined included: glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST), glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1), excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1), excitatory amino acid transporter 4 (EAAT4) and EAAT5. We demonstrate that many of the glutamate transporters in the testis are alternately spliced. GLAST is present as exon-3-and exon-9-skipping forms. GLT1 was similarly present as the alternately spliced forms GLT1b and GLT1c, whereas the abundant brain form (GLT1a) was detectable only at the mRNA level. EAAT5 was also strongly expressed, whereas EAAC1 and EAAT4 were absent. These patterns of expression were compared with the patterns of endogenous glutamate localization and with patterns of D-aspartate accumulation, as assessed by immunocytochemistry. The presence of multiple glutamate transporters in the testis, including unusually spliced forms, suggests that glutamate homeostasis may be critical in this organ. The apparent presence of many of these transporters in the testis and sperm may indicate a need for glutamate transport by such cells.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Expression of multiple glutamate transporter splice variants in the rodent testis

Lee¹,

Anderson²,

Barnett³

et al. 2010

Asian J Androl

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“…The latter suggestion is based on several findings that human Leydig cells express a number of proteins typical for neuronal and neuroendocrine cells (e.g. neurofilament protein 200, synaptophysin, neural cell-adhesion molecule) as well as expressing specific markers for glial cell [50,51]. It has been suggested that following differentiation Leydig cells probably exhibit a phenotype characteristic of cells in the developing nervous system [51].…”

Section: Postnatal Differentiation Of Human Leydig Cellsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…neurofilament protein 200, synaptophysin, neural cell-adhesion molecule) as well as expressing specific markers for glial cell [50,51]. It has been suggested that following differentiation Leydig cells probably exhibit a phenotype characteristic of cells in the developing nervous system [51]. In addition, a recent study has shown the role for the transcription factor, chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor (COUP-TFII) in controlling differentiation of mesenchymal testicular cells into progenitor Leydig cell lineage in mice [52].…”

Section: Postnatal Differentiation Of Human Leydig Cellsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Origin, Development and Regulation of Human Leydig Cells

et al. 2010

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Sex steroids are crucial regulators of sexual differentiation and the proper development of secondary sex characteristics and patterns of sexual behavior. Since Leydig cells are the primary major producers of these steroid hormones, maintenance of the normal functions of these cells determines the reproductive capacity and fertility of males. The present minireview discusses recent findings concerning endocrine and paracrine regulation of the proliferation, differentiation and involution of human Leydig cells. The physiology and function of the two distinct fetal and adult populations of human Leydig cells are described, with particular focus on the paracrine environment that triggers their differentiation and functional maturation. The roles of established and more recently discovered paracrine regulators of this maturation, including insulin-like factor 3, platelet-derived growth factor-α, desert hedgehog, ghrelin and leptin are considered. A brief description of the origin, ontogenesis and functional markers of human fetal and adult Leydig cells is presented.

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“…Thus, Leydig cells, in addition to the well established steroid-producing activity, seem to be a part of a diffuse neuroendocrine system (DNS). [44][45][46] The process of spermatogenesis is highly dependent upon androgens and small quantities of estrogens. [47][48][49][50] It can be speculated that the major supplier of testosterone for seminiferous tubules are, in fact, peritubular Leydig cells.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reinke´s Crystals in Perivascular and Peritubular Leydig Cells

Kozina¹,

Banek²,

Knežević³

et al. 2011

Croat. Chem. Acta

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Abstract. The human testis is composed of seminiferous tubules and interstitium. Within the interstitium, residing Leydig cells can occasionally bear Reinke´s crystals. The aim of the current study was to investigate Reinke´s crystals in perivascular and peritubular Leydig cells in control and infertile (cryptorchid) testes. For that purpose, bright field, confocal and transmission electron microscopy were applied. The crystal lattice was investigated by Fast Fourier Transformation and the number of crystals determined by stereology. Results of the study indicated a higher number of crystals in perivascular cells (in the both control and cryptorchid group). Moreover, when control and cryptorchid specimens were compared for the presence of the crystal, a higher number of Reinke´s crystals was recorded in cryptorchid testes. Thick sections of the crystal were extremely helpful in yielding crystallographic data which confirmed a trigonal crystal structure of the lattice. The exact molecular composition of crystal's microfilaments still remains unknown. (doi: 10.5562/cca1814)

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Leydig cells of the human testis possess astrocyte and oligodendrocyte marker molecules

Cited by 61 publications

References 72 publications

Expression of multiple glutamate transporter splice variants in the rodent testis

Expression of multiple glutamate transporter splice variants in the rodent testis

Origin, Development and Regulation of Human Leydig Cells

Reinke´s Crystals in Perivascular and Peritubular Leydig Cells

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