Effect of ACTH administration on liberation of testosterone by the Leydig cell

Abstract

The possible rôle of the Leydig cells ithe changes of testosterone levels induced by ACTH administration is studied. 14 male Wistar rats weighing about 300 g were separated in two groups. One was treated with I mU.I./100 g/day of ACTH i.m. for 6 days and the other with saline solution as control Rats, testes and adrenal glands were weighed and plasma testosterone levels were measured. The Leydig cells dispersed collagenase was inbubated for 120 min at 37 degrees C in the presence and in the absence of 10 mU.I. of HCG. The weight of adrenal glands in the treated rats was greater than in the control group. Treated rats had lower plasma values than the controls. Testosterone secretion by the Leydig cells, in basal situation and after stimulation with HCG, was lower in the treated group. Leydig cells of untreated rats were incubated with 12.5, 6.2, 3.1, 1.5 mU.I. of ACTH and supplemented with 2.5 pU.I. of HCG. No difference in testosterone secretion in either groups was observed.