Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Endorphins in Reproduction and Stress pp 41–53Cite as

Paracrine Control of Testicular Function: Role of Opioids

  • Conference paper

  • 79 Accesses

Abstract

In recent years the study of local hormonal interactions within organs, or paracrinology, as it is properly called, has expanded rapidly. Within many organs complex cell interactions have been described, which appear to occur solely between cells of the organ in question. Of all organs studied in this way perhaps the gonads have received most attention. Many locally produced factors within the testis and ovary have been postulated to exert paracrine actions. However, when studying paracrine interactions within any organ, the importance of peripheral control of cell function should not be forgotten. This is particularly true of the testis. Furthermore, discussions of testicular function must take into account not only endocrine actions on the organ but also the great complexity of testicular structure, which in itself is undoubtably the cause of some of the local interactions observed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Adams ML, Cicero TJ (1989) The ontogeny of immunoreactive β-endorphin and β-lipotropin in the rat testis. Life Sci 44 (2): 159–66

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmad N, Haltmeyer GC, Eikness KB (1973) Maintenance of spermatogenesis in rats with intratesticular implants containing testosterone or dihydrotestosterone. Biol Reprod 8: 411–419

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmad N, Haltmeyer GC, Eikness KB (1975) Maintenance of spermatogenesis in rats with testosterone or dihydrotestosterone in hypophysectomised rats. J Reprod Fertil 44: 103–107

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bardin CW, Shaha C, Mather J, Salomon Y, Margioris AN, Liotta AS, Gerendai I, Chen CL, Krieger DT (1984) Identification and possible function of pro-opiomelanoeortir-derived peptides in the testis. Ann NY Acad Sci 438: 346–364

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bartlett JMS, Kerr JB, Sharpe RM (1988a) The selective removal of pachytene spermatocytes using methoxy acetic acid as an approach to the study in vivo of paracrine interactions in the testis. J Androl 9: 31–40

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bartlett JMS, Weinbauer GF, Nieschlag E (1988b) The role of FSH in the maintenance of spermatogenesis. In: Cooke BA, Sharpe RM. (eds) The molecular and cellular endocrinology of the testis. Raven, New York, pp 271–274 (Serono symposia, vol 50)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bartlett JMS, Weinbauer GF, Nieschlag E (1989) Differential effects of FSH and testosterone on the maintenance of spermatogenesis in the adult hypophysectomised rat. J Endocrinol 121: 49–58

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Boitani C, Chen C-L, Canipari R, Bardin CW (1988) Expression of the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene in rat testicular germ cells and the response of Sertoli cells to POMC-derived peptides. In: Cooke BA, Sharpe RM. (eds) The molecular and cellular endocrinology of the testis. Raven, New York, pp 303–309 (Serono symposia, vol 50)

    Google Scholar 

  • Boitani C, Chen C-L, Margioris AN, Gerendai I, Morris PL, Bardin CW (1985) Pro-opiomelanocortin-derived peptides in the testis: evidence for a possible role in Leydig and Sertoli cell function. Med Biol 63: 251–258

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Boitani C, Mather JP, Bardin CW (1986) Stimulation of adenosine 3’,5’-monophosphate production in rat Sertoli cells by alpha- melanotropin-stimulating hormone (alpha MSH) and des-acetyl alpha MSH. Endocrinology 118 (4): 1513–1518

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Boitani C, Shaha C, Bardin CW, Hahn EF (1984) Opiate receptor binding in the testis (Abstr 254). In: Proceedings of the 7th International Congress of Endocrinology. Excerpta Medica, Amsterdam

    Google Scholar 

  • Carson RS, Robertson DM, Findlay JK (1988) Ovine follicular fluid inhibits thymidine incorporation by 3T3 fibroblasts in vitro. J Reprod Fertil 82: 447–455

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chen CL, Mather JP, Morris PL, Bardin CW (1984) Expression of pro-opiomelanocortin-like gene in the testis and epididymis. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 81 (18): 5672–5675

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng MC, Clements JA, Smith AI, Lolait SJ, Funder JW (1985) N-acetyl endorphin in rat spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes. J Clin Invest 75 (3): 832–835

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Christiansen AK (1975) Leydig cells. In: Greep RO, Ashwood EB (eds) Handbook of physiology, vol 7. American Physiological Society, Washington, pp 57–94

    Google Scholar 

  • Cox BM, Rosenberger JG, Douglas J (1987) Chromatographic characterisation of dynorphin and (Leu) enkephalin immunoreactivity in guinea pig and rat testis. Regul Pept 19: 1–12

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • De Jong FH, Robertson DM (1985) Inhibin: 1985 update on action and purification. Mol Cell Endocrinol 42: 95–103

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Douglass J, Cox B, Quinn B, Civelli O, Herbert E (1987) Expression of the prodynorphin gene in male and female mammalian reproductive tissues. Endocrinology 120: 707–713

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Engelhardt RP (1989) Opioïdes gonadiques et fonction testiculaire. Ann Endocrinol (Paris) 50 (1): 64–72

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Engelhardt RP, Saint-Pol P, Tramu G, Leonardelli J (1986) Immunohistochemical localization of enkephalinlike peptides during testicular development in rats. Arch Androl 17 (1): 49–56

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fabbri A, Jannini EA, Gnessi L, Ulisse S, Moretti C, Isidori A (1989) Neuroendocrine control of male reproductive function. The opioid system as a model of control at multiple sites. J Steroid Biochem 32 (1B): 145–50

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fabbri A, Knox G, Buczko E, Dufau ML (1988) β- endorphin production by the fetal Leydig cell: regulation and implications for paracrine control of Sertoli cell function. Endocrinology 122 (2): 749–55

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Franchimont P, Croze F, Demoulin A, Bologne R, Hustin J (1981) Effect of inhibin on rat testicular desoxyribonculeic acid (DNA) synthesis in vitro. Acta Endocrinol (Copenh) 98: 312–320

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gerendai I, Shaha C, Gunsalus G, Bardin CW (1986) The effects of opioid receptor antagonists suggest that testicular opiates reduglate Sertoli and Leydig cell function in the neonatal rat. Endocrinology 118: 2039–2044

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gizang-Ginsberg E, Wolgemuth DJ (1985) Localization of mRANs in the mouse testes by in situ hybridization: distribution of alpha- tubulin and developmental stage specificity of pro- opiomelanocortin transcripts. Dev Biol 111: 293–305

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gizang-Ginsberg E, Wolgemuth DJ (1987) Expression of the proopiomelanocortin gene is developmentally regulated and affected by germ cells in the male mouse reproductive system. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 84 (6): 1600–1604

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grossman A (1983) Brain opiates and neuroendocrine function. Clin Endocrinol Metab 12: 725–746

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hedger MP, Drummond AE, Robertson DM, Risbridger GP, de Kretser DM (1989) Inhibin and activin regulate (3H) thymidine uptake by rat thymocytes and 3T3 cells in vitro. Mol Cell Endocrinol 61: 133–138

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Howlett TA, Rees LH (1987) Endogenous opioid peptides and human reproduction. Oxf Rev Reprod Biol 9: 260–293

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Juniewicz PE, Keeney DS, Ewing LL (1988) Effect of adrenocorticotropin and other proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides on testosterone secretion by the in vitro perfused testis. Endocrinology 122 (3): 891–898

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kew D, Kilpatrick DL (1989) Expression and regulation of the proenkephalin gene in rat Sertoli cells. Mol Endocrinol 3 (1): 179–184

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kilpatrick DL, Borland K, Jin DF (1987) Differential expression of opioid peptide genes by testicular germ cells and somatic cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 84 (16): 5695–5699

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kilpatrick DL, Howells RD, Noe M, Bailey CL, Udenfriend S (1985) Expression of preproenkephalin-like mRNA and its peptide products in mammalian testis and ovary. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 82: 7467–7469

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kilpatrick DL, Milette CF (1986) Expression of proenkephalin messenger RNA by mouse spermatogenic cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 83: 5015–5018

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kilpatrick DL, Rosenthal JL (1986) The proenkephalin gene is widely expressed within the male and female reproductive systems of the rat and hamster. Endocrinology 119 (1): 370–374

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krishnan KA, Sluss PM, Reichert LE Jr (1986) Low molecular weight FSH binding inhibitor in bovine testis. J Androl 7: 42–48

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lacaze-Masmonteil T, de Keyzer Y, Luton JP, Kahn A, Bertagna X (1987) Characterization of proopiomelanocortin transcripts in human nonpituitary tissues. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 84 (20): 7261–7265

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lebouille JL, Burbach JP, de Kloet ER, Rommerts FF (1986) γ-Endorphin-generating en-dopeptidase: distribution in body tissues and cellular localization in rat testis. Endocrinology 118 (1): 372–376

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Margioris AN, Liotta AS, Vaudry H, Bardin CW, Kreiger DT (1983) Characterisation of proopiomelanocortin-related peptides in rat testes. Endocrinology 113: 663–671

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marshall GR, Jöckenhovel F, Lüdecke D, Nieschlag E (1986) Maintenance of complete but quantitatively reduced spermatogenesis in hypophysectomised monkeys by testosterone alone. Acta Endocrinol (Copenh) 113: 424–431

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marshall GR, Nieschlag E (1987) The role of FSH in male reproduction. In: Sheth AR (ed) Inhibins: isolation, estimation and physiology, vol 1. CRC, Boca Raton, pp 3–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Matsumoto AM, Bremner WJ (1987) Endocrinology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis with particular reference to the hormonal control of spermatogenesis. Ballieres Clin Endocrinol Metab 1: 71–87

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McMurray CT, Devi L, Calavetta L, Douglass JO (1989) Regulated expression of the prodynorphin gene in the R2C Leydig tumour cell line. Endocrinology 124: 49–59

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Meites J, Bruni JF, van Vugt DA, Smith AF (1979) Relation of endogenous opioid peptides and morphine to neuroendocrine function. Life Sci 24: 1235–1336

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Melner MH, Puett D (1984) Evidence for the synthesis of multiple pro-opiomelanocortin-like precursors in murine Leydig tumor cells. Arch Biochem Biophys 232 (1): 197–201

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morley JE (1981) The endocrinology of the opiates and opioid peptides. Metabolism 30: 195–207

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morris PL, Vale WW, Bardin CW (1987) β-endorphin regulation of FSH-stimulated inhibin production is a component of a short loop system in testis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 148 (3): 1513–1519

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nieschlag E, Bartlett JMS (1989) Testes. In: Bettendorf G, Breckwoldt M (eds) Reproduktionsmedizin. Fischer Stuttgart, pp 100–111

    Google Scholar 

  • Orth J (1986) FSH-induced Sertoli cell proliferation in the developing rat is modified by β-endorphin production in the testis. Endocrinology 119: 1876–1878

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Parvinen M (1982) Regulation of the seminiferous epithelium. endocr Rev 3: 404–417

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Saint-Pol P, Peyrat PJ, Engelhardt RP, Leroy-Martin B (1986) Immunohistochemical localization of enkephalins in adult rat testis. Evidence of a gonadotrophin control. Andrologia 18: 485–488

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Saint-Pol P, Herman E, Tramu G (1988) Paracrine factors in adult rat testis. Gonadotrophin control of opioids and LHRH like peptide. Andrologia 20: 173–181

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schulze W, Davidoff MS, Holstein AF, Schirren C (1987) Processing of testicular biopsies fixed in Stieve’s solution for visualization of substance P-and methionine-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity in Leydig cells. Andrologia 19 (4): 419–422

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Setchell BP (1980) The functional significance of the blood–testis barrier. J Androl 1: 3–10

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shaha C, Liotta SA, Kreiger DT, Bardin CW (1984) The ontogeny of immunreactive-β-en-dorphin in fetal, neonatal, and pubertal testes from mouse and hamster. Endocrinology 114: 1584–1591

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sharpe RM (1982) The hormonal regulation of the Leydig cell. Oxf Rev Reprod Biol 4: 241–317

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharpe RM (1984) Bibliography with review on intragonadal hormones. Bibliogr Reprod 44: C1–C26

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharpe RM (1986) Paracrine control of the testis. Clin Endocrinol Metab 15: 185–207

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sharpe RM, Cooper I (1987) Comparison of the effects on purified leydig cells of four hormones (oscytocin, vasopression, opiates and LHRH) with suggested paracrine roles in the testis. J Ends 113: 89–96

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skinner MK, Fritz IB (1985a) Testicular peritubular cells secreted a protein under androgen control that modulates Sertoli cell function (rat). Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 82: 114–118

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skinner MK, Fritz IB (1985b) Androgen stimulation of Sertoli cell function is enhanced by peritubular cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 40: 115–122

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skinner MK (1989) Peritubular myoid cell-Sertoli cell interactions which regulate testis function and growth. In: Serio M (ed) Perspectives in andrology. Raven, New York, pp 175–182 (Serono symposia, vol 53)

    Google Scholar 

  • Srinath BV, Wickings EJ, Witting C, Nieschlag E (1983) Active immunisation with follicle stimulating hormone for fertility control: a 4 ½ year study in male rhesus monkeys. Fertil Steril 40: 110–117

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tsong SD, Phillips D, Halmi N, Liotta AS, Mariioris A, Bardin CW, Krieger DT (1982) ACTH and β-endorphin-related peptides are present in multiple sites in the reproductive tract in the male rat. Endocrinology 110: 2204–2206

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tsonis CG, Sharpe RM (1986) Dual gonadal control of follicle stimulating hormone. Nature 321: 724–725

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Unni E, Rao MRS (1986) Androgen binding protein levels and FSH binding to testicular membranes in vitamin A deficient rats and during subsequent replenishment with vitamin A. J Steroid Biochem 25: 579–583

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Van Dissel-Emiliani FMF, Grootenhuis AJ, de Jong FH, de Rooij DG (1988) Local action of inhibin in the testis (Abstr 1912). In: Proceedings of the Vth European Workshop on molecular and cellular endocrinology of the testis

    Google Scholar 

  • Verhoeven G, Cailleau J (1988) Follicle-stimulating hormone and androgens increase the concentration of the androgen receptor in Sertoli cells. Endocrinology 122: 1541–1550

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wickings EJ, Usadel KH, Dathe G, Nieschlag E (1980) The role of follicle stimulating hormone in testicular function of the mature rhesus monkey. Acta Endocrinol (Copenh) 95: 117–128

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yoshikawa K, Aizawa T (1988a) Enkephalin precursor gene expression in postmeiotic germ cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 151 (2): 664–671

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yoshikawa K, Aizawa T (1988b) Expression of the enkephalin precursor gene in rat Sertoli cells. Regulation by follicle- stimulating hormone. FEBS Lett 237 (1–2): 183–186

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yoshikawa K, Aizawa T, Nozawa A (1989a) Phorbol ester regulates the abundance of enkephalin precursor mRNA but not of amyloid β-protein precursor mRNA in rat testicular peritubular cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 161 (2): 568–575

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yoshikawa K, Maruyama K, Aizawa T, Yamamoto A (1989b) A new species of enkephalin precursor mRNA with a distinct 5’- untranslated region in haploid germ cells. FEBS Lett 246 (1–2): 193–196

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. J. M. S. Bartlett
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Universitäts-Frauenklinik, Moorenstraße 5, 4000, Düsseldorf, Germany

    Wolfgang Distler  & Lutwin Beck  & 

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1990 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this paper

Cite this paper

Bartlett, J.M.S. (1990). Paracrine Control of Testicular Function: Role of Opioids. In: Distler, W., Beck, L. (eds) Endorphins in Reproduction and Stress. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-75797-6_5

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-75797-6_5

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-52736-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-75797-6

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation