Endocrinology, Vol 130, 2219-2224, Copyright © 1992 by Endocrine Society

ARTICLES

Rat Leydig cells bind platelet-derived growth factor through specific receptors and produce platelet-derived growth factor-like molecules

L Gnessi, A Emidi, D Farini, S Scarpa, A Modesti, T Ciampani, L Silvestroni and G Spera
V Clinica Medica, Universita di Roma La Sapienza, Facolta di Medicina, Rome, Italy.

The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a major mitogen for cells of mesenchymal origin. Because Leydig cells arise from mesenchymal precursors, we tested the hypothesis that these cells might be a target for PDGF. We also investigated a possible production of a PDGF-like substance by Leydig cells in culture and the distribution of PDGF-like material in the rat testis using immunohistochemistry. PDGF was found to bind specifically to high affinity receptors on the surface of purified adult rat Leydig cells. Conditioned medium from cultured Leydig cells competed with 125I-labeled PDGF for binding to the Leydig cells. The secretion of PDGF receptor-competing activity was stimulated in a dose-dependent manner by the trophic hormone hCG. Immunohistochemical studies revealed specific staining for PDGF in the Leydig cells of adult rat testis. Taken together these observations suggest that PDGF may play a role in the local control mechanisms of testicular function.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				S. Basciani, M. Brama, S. Mariani, G. De Luca, M. Arizzi, L. Vesci, C. Pisano, S. Dolci, G. Spera, and L. Gnessi Imatinib Mesylate Inhibits Leydig Cell Tumor Growth: Evidence for In vitro and In vivo Activity Cancer Res., March 1, 2005; 65(5): 1897 - 1903. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. Basciani, S. Mariani, M. Arizzi, M. Brama, A. Ricci, C. Betsholtz, C. Bondjers, G. Ricci, A. Catizone, M. Galdieri, et al. Expression of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) in the Epididymis and Analysis of the Epididymal Development in PDGF-A, PDGF-B, and PDGF Receptor {beta} Deficient Mice Biol Reprod, January 1, 2004; 70(1): 168 - 177. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. Basciani, S. Mariani, M. Arizzi, S. Ulisse, N. Rucci, E. A. Jannini, C. D. Rocca, A. Manicone, C. Carani, G. Spera, et al. Expression of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-A (PDGF-A), PDGF-B, and PDGF Receptor-{alpha} and -{beta} during Human Testicular Development and Disease J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., May 1, 2002; 87(5): 2310 - 2319. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S.M.L. Chamindrani Mendis-Handagama and H.B. Siril Ariyaratne Differentiation of the Adult Leydig Cell Population in the Postnatal Testis Biol Reprod, September 1, 2001; 65(3): 660 - 671. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. Chiarenza, A. Filippini, A. Tripiciano, E. Beccari, and F. Palombi Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB Stimulates Hypertrophy of Peritubular Smooth Muscle Cells from Rat Testis in Primary Cultures Endocrinology, August 1, 2000; 141(8): 2971 - 2981. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. Gnessi, S. Basciani, S. Mariani, M. Arizzi, G. Spera, C. Wang, C. Bondjers, L. Karlsson, and C. Betsholtz Leydig Cell Loss and Spermatogenic Arrest in Platelet-derived Growth Factor (PDGF)-A-deficient Mice J. Cell Biol., May 29, 2000; 149(5): 1019 - 1026. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				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]