Summary
The capacity of Leydig cells for regeneration was investigated in 12 patients with prostatic carcinoma, who underwent subcapsular orchidectomy, and in rats after testicular necrosis produced by cadmium chloride.
In rats, reappearance of Leydig cells originating from the tunica albuginea could be demonstrated by histology. Testosterone concentrations increased parallel to regeneration of Leydig cells, while LH concentrations declined.
In contrast to these findings, no rise of testosterone concentrations could be observed in patients up to 8 months after subcapsular orchidectomy. Human Leydig cells seem to have no capacity for regeneration, or endocrine function, despite the fact that some of these cells, which are present morphologically in the tunica albuginea or spermatic cord, remained.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Berger, L.: Sympathicotrope Zellen im Eierstock und ihre neurokrine Funktion. Zwischenzellen. Virchows Archiv 267, 433 (1928)
Favino, A., Baillie, A. H., Griffiths, K.: Androgen synthesis by the testes and adrenal gland of rats poisoned with cadmium chloride. Jounal of Endocrinology 35, 185 (1966)
Gunn, S. A., Gould, T. C., Anderson, W. A. D.: Zinc protection against cadmium injury to rat testis. Archives of Pathology 71, 274 (1961)
Gunn, S. A., Gould, T. C., Anderson, W. A. D.: Cadmium induced interstitial cell tumors in rats and their prevention by zinc. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 31, 745 (1963)
Gunn, S. A., Gould, T. C., Anderson, W. A. D.: Comparative study of interstitial cell tumors of rat testis induced by cadmium intoxication and by vascular ligation. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 35, 325 (1965)
Horton, R. J.: Androgen hormones and prehormones in young and elderly men. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Bethesda, Maryland: NIAMDD Workshop Proceedings, 1975
Kar, A. B., Das, R. P.: Testicular changes in rats after treatment with cadmium chloride. Acta Biologica et Medica Germanica 5, 153 (1960)
Mc Donald, J. M., Calams, J. A.: A histological study of extraparenchymal Leydig-like cells. Journal of Urology 79, 850 (1958)
Nieschlag, E., Loriaux, D. L.: Radioimmunassay for plasma testosterone. Zeitschrift für klinische Chemie 10, 164 (1972)
Parizek, J.: The destructive effect of cadmium ions on testicular tissue and its prevention by zinc. Journal of Endocrinology 15, 56 (1957)
Parizek, J.: Sterilization of the male by cadmium salts. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 1, 294 (1960)
Reddy, J., Svoboda, D., Azarnoff, D., Dawar, R.: Cadmium-induced leydig cell tumors of rat testis Morphologic and histochemical study. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 51, 891 (1973)
Stieve, H.: Männliche Genitalorgane, Handbuch der mikroskopischen Anatomie des Menschen, Vol. 7. Berlin: Springer 1930
Walsh, P. C., Siiteri, P. K.: Suppression of plasma androgens by spironolactone in castrated men with carcinoma of the prostate. Journal of Urology 114, 254 (1975)
Watzka, M.: Die leydigschen Zwischenzellen im Funiculus spermaticus des Menschen. Zeitschrift für Zellforschung 43, 206 (1955)
Young, HH., Kent, J. R.: Plasma testosterone levels in patients with prostatic carcinoma before and after treatment. Journal of Urology 99, 788 (1968)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Senge, T., Schenck, B., Tunn, U. et al. A study of the capacity for regeneration of rat and human Leydig cells. Urol. Res. 6, 167–171 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00261318
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00261318