Summary
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 1α (IL-1α) 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 photo-periods. 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-1α.
Key words
Leydig cell cultures - macrophages - interleukin 1α - testosterone secretion - bank
vole
