Numeric and volumetric changes in Leydig cells during aging of rats

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze the effects of aging in rats on the nuclear volume, cytoplasmic volume, and total volume of Leydig cells, as well as their number. Methods: Seventy-two Wistar rats were divided into six subgroups of 12 rats, which underwent right orchiectomy at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months of age. The weight and volume of the resected testicles were assessed. A stereological study of Leydig cells was conducted, which included measurements of cell number and nuclear, cytoplasmic, and total cell volumes. Results: The weight and volume of the resected testicles showed reductions with age. Only the subgroup composed of 24-month old rats showed a decrease in the nuclear volume of Leydig cells. Significant reductions in the cytoplasmic volume and total volume of Leydig cells were observed in 18-and 24-month old rats. The number of Leydig cells did not vary significantly with age. Conclusions: Aging in rats resulted in reduction of the nuclear, cytoplasmic, and total cell volumes of Leydig cells. There was no change in the total number of these cells during aging.

Testicular Aging: An Overview of Ultrastructural, Cellular, and Molecular Alterations

“…However, Ichihara et al (22) observed that the number of Leydig cells in paired testes doubled with age, although the average volume of those cells decreased. In rat, a reduction of the total cell volume of Leydig cells accompanied by the deficient ability to produce testosterone in response to LH was reported but no changes in the total number of these cells during aging were observed (23,24).…”

Co-administration of alcohol and combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in male Sprague Dawley rats: A study on testicular morphology, oxidative and cytokines perturbations

“…Leydig cells are present in the testis interstitium, and synthesize androgens via steroidogenesis [58]. Therefore, shrinkage of the nucleus will ultimately affect the Leydig cell's steroidogenic capacity and subsequently lead to disruption of spermatogenesis [58][59][60].…”

Avaliação do efeito terapêutico do extrato da casca de jabuticaba frente à senescência e obesidade sobre o testículo e epidídimo de camundongos (FVB) Therapeutic effect of jaboticaba peel extract on senescence and obesity, as observed in the testis and epididymis of FVB mice

“…A hiperplasia das células de Leydig tem sido observada em camundongos com "feminização" testicular, isto é, baixa influência de testosterona, e àqueles associados ao tratamento com estrógenos ou inibidores da 5-α-redutaseTrindade et al 2013).Ademais observamos que não houve diferença significativa entre o número de células de Leydig por testículo nos animais senis quando comparados aos níveis dos jovens. Similarmente,Neves et al (2017) ao estudar a influência do envelhecimento masculino sob a estereologia das células de Leydig, notou que a quantidade de células de Leydig por testículo não variou entre os camundongos jovens e senis, assim como estudos realizados por Wang et al (2012) e Chen et al (1994). Adicionalmente, Chen et al (2009) e Koeva et al (2009) observaram que durante o envelhecimento as células de Leydig desenvolvem problemas nas vias esteroidogênica, resultando na redução da produção hormonal.…”