The effect of testicular macrophages, macrophage-conditioned medium and interleukin-1α on bank vole Leydig cell steroidogenesis

Abstract

It has already been accepted that the function and activity of the testis is regulated not only by gonadotrophins, but also by many locally produced factors and by cell-cell interactions. That is why the aim of our work was to determine whether macrophages and/or their products have an influence on Leydig cell steroidogenic activity. The source of Leydig cells and macrophages were male bank voles of spring and autumn generations, reared in 18 light:6 dark or 6 light:18 dark (18L:6D or 6L:18D) conditions for 7-8 weeks. The Leydig cells were growing in monocultures or in co-cultures with macrophages (testicular or peritoneal), either as control or hCG-stimulated ones. To some of the cultures 6 IU/ml of interleukin 1alpha (IL-1alpha) was added. After then the cells were analysed morphologically, histochemically, and radioimmunologically. In the present study we found many differences in morphology and steroidogenic activity of Leydig cells obtained from different photoperiods. Leydig cells from a long day formed monolayer contrary to the cells from a short one growing as single cells or in clusters. Moreover, Leydig cells from a long photoperiod produced more testosterone and were sensitive to the stimulatory effect of both testicular macrophages and testicular macrophage-conditioned medium. They were also more sensitive to the inhibitory influence of IL-1alpha.

Histological alterations in Leydig cells and macrophages in azoospermic men

“…() determined that CD68‐immunoreactive cells express the genes for specific macrophage markers including IL‐1α, IL‐1β and TNF. Several reports indicated a modulatory effect of IL‐1 and TNF on steroidogenesis (Kmicikiewicz, Wojtusiak, & Bilinska, ). Therefore, we assume that strong expression of TNF‐α according to our results could be related to the active healthy looking appearance of Leydig cells in this group in spite of nonsignificant decrease in testosterone serum level and nonsignificant increase in LH of patients with GIIA compared to GI.…”

Melatonin in testes of infertile men: evidence for anti‐proliferative and anti‐oxidant effects on local macrophage and mast cell populations

“…In the testis, MCs and MACs are involved in the regulation of steroidogenesis, Sertoli cell activity, germ cell survival, as well as in the generation of fibrosis in the wall of the seminiferous tubules. The latter suggests that testicular immune cells could be involved in the pathogenesis or maintenance of infertility states (Yee & Hutson, ; Sun et al ., ; Kmicikiewicz et al ., ; Meineke et al ., ; Meroni et al ., ; Frungieri et al ., ; Theas et al ., ; Jacobo et al ., ; Winnall et al ., ; Winnall & Hedger, ).…”

Local Actions of Melatonin in Somatic Cells of the Testis

“…Among immune cells, mast cells and macrophages are best known for their role in inflammatory process. In the testis, mast cells and macrophages are also involved in the regulation of steroidogenesis, Sertoli cell activity, germ cell survival, and the generation of fibrosis in the wall of the seminiferous tubules [70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79].…”