Effect of catecholamines on porcine Sertoli and Leydig cells in primary culture

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The accumulation by purified immature porcine Leydig and Sertoli cells of cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate in the presence of 1-methyl-3-isobuthylxathine was studied and their respective testosterone and 17β-estradiol production in response to catecholamines was assessed in vitro. These substances increased both basal and FSH-stimulated cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate accumulation in Sertoli cells. In contrast, catecholamines slightly enhanced basal cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate production but inhibited its human chorionic gonadotropin-stimulated accumulation by Leydig cells. Catecholamines had no effect on basal and stimulated testosterone release by these cells, while dopamine inhibited 17β-estradiol synthesis by Sertoli cells. Using various α- and β-adrenergic agonists and antagonists, β-receptors, likely of the β1-subtype, were shown to be present in both cell lines. Taken together these data suggest the presence of a cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate-linked adrenergic receptor in porcine Leydig and Sertoli cells, the role of which remains to be determined.