Authors: Yong Zhao WuGang Hou HuaPing Zhu Jie Zhao RuiAn Wang RuoJun Xu YuanQiang Zhang
Publish Date: 2008/09/16
Volume: 334, Issue: 2, Pages: 283-294
Abstract
Thyrotropinreleasing hormone TRH was initially discovered as a neuropeptide synthesized in the hypothalamus Receptors for this hormone include TRHreceptor1 TRHR1 and 2 TRHR2 Previous studies have shown that TRHR1 and TRHR2 are localized exclusively in adult Leydig cells ALCs We have investigated TRHR1 and TRHR2 expression in the testes of postnatal 8 14 21 35 60 and 90dayold rats and in ethane dimethane sulfonate EDStreated adult rats by using Western blotting immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence The effects of TRH on testosterone secretion of primary cultured ALCs from 90dayold rats and DNA synthesis in Leydig cells from 21dayold rats have also been examined Western blotting and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that TRHR1 and TRHR2 were expressed in fetal Leydig cells in 8dayold rats and in all stages of adulttype Leydig cells during development Immunofluorescence doublestaining revealed that newly regenerated Leydig cells in postEDS 21day rats expressed TRHR1 and TRHR2 on their first reappearance Incubation with various doses of TRH affected testosterone secretion of primary cultured ALCs Low concentrations of TRH 0001 001 and 01 ng/ml inhibited basal and human chorionic gonadotrophin hCGstimulated testosterone secretion of isolated ALCs whereas relatively high doses of TRH 1 and 10 ng/ml increased hCGstimulated testosterone secretion As detected by a 5bromo2′deoxyuridine incorporation test the DNA synthesis of Leydig cells from 21dayold rats was promoted by low TRH concentrations Thus we have clarified the effect of TRH on testicular function TRH might regulate the development of Leydig cells before maturation and the secretion of testosterone after maturation
Keywords: