Endocrinology, Vol 114, 2382-2387, Copyright © 1984 by Endocrine Society

ARTICLES

Stimulation of prostaglandin E and testosterone production in rat interstitial cells by a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist

J Molcho, Y Eli, H Zakut and Z Naor

The early direct effects of a GnRH agonist analog [D-Ala6]des-Gly10- GnRH N ethylamide (GnRHa) on rat testicular interstitial cells include increased production of prostaglandin E (PGE) and testosterone (T) at 3 h (ED50 values of 0.5 and 0.75 nM, respectively). On the other hand, LH action on testicular function, which is mediated by increased cAMP, involves an increase in T production at 30 min followed by increased PGE formation at 3 h. GnRHa at concentrations of 10(-12)-10(-8) M had no effect on basal or LH-stimulated cAMP production during a 4-h incubation test. The stimulatory effect of GnRHa on PGE, but not on T production, was abolished by the prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor indomethacin (1.5 microns). We conclude that cAMP does not play a role in mediating the direct testicular effects of GnRH on PGE and T production; that PGE is not involved in mediating GnRH-induced T production; and, finally, that increased PGE and T production might be involved in mediating the direct inhibitory and stimulatory testicular effects of GnRH and its agonist analogs.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				L. Gnessi, A. Fabbri, and G. Spera Gonadal Peptides as Mediators of Development and Functional Control of the Testis: An Integrated System with Hormones and Local Environment Endocr. Rev., August 1, 1997; 18(4): 541 - 609. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]