• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.325-334
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• 2005

Changes in the rabbit Leydig cell from birth to adulthood were studied in New Zealand white rabbits of 1, 7, 21, 35, 49, 70, 105, 147, 196, and 252 days (n = 8 rabbits per group) of age. The objectives of this study were to understand the fate of the fetal Leydig cells, to determine the changes in serum testosterone levels, and leutenizing hormone-stimulated testosterone production per testis in vitro, and to quantify adult Leydig cells by number and average volume with age. Testes of rabbits were fixed by whole body perfusion using a fixative containing 2.5% glutaraldehyde in cacodylate buffer, processed and embedded in Epon-araldite. Using $1{\mu}m$ sections stained with methylene blue-azure II, qualitative and quantitative (stereological) morphological studies were performed. Testosterone levels in the incubation medium of luteinizing hormone-stimulated (100 ng/ml) testosterone secretion per testis in vitro, and in serum were determined by radioimmunoassay. The average volume of a testis of 1-day-old rabbits was determined as $0.0073cm^3$ and the parameter increased linearly from birth to 252 days ($3.93cm^3$). The volume density of the seminiferous tubules increased with age from 33.76% at day 1 to 88.2% at day 252. The volume density of the interstitium represents 66.24% of the testicular parenchyma at day 1. This proportion progressively diminished during development to reach a value of 11.8% at day 252. The volume density of Leydig cells increased almost linearly from birth (0.001%) to 252 days (2.62%). Leydig cell mass per testis increases from 0.0012 mg to 0.25 mg between days 1 and 35, from 2.66 mg to 44.3 mg between days 49 and 105 and from 65.42 mg and 102.9 mg between days 147 and 252. The absolute numbers of adult Leydig cells per testis increased linearly from birth to 252 days. The average volume of adult Leydig cell on days 1, 7, 21 and 35 was not significantly different; a gradual and continued increase was observed thereafter, reaching a 3-fold increase at 196 and 252 days. Serum testosterone concentrations were not significantly different at day 1 compared days 7, 21, 35. Significant increases were observed at days 49 and 70. Values at days 70 and 105 and days 147, 196, and 252 were not significantly different. LH-stimulated testosterone production per testis in vitro was significantly different at day 1 compared days 7, 21, 35. Significant increases were observed at days 49 and 70. Hormonal values at days 105, 147, 196, and 252 were not significantly different. These data suggested Leydig cell developmental phase can be classified: a neonatal phase (1-7 days), a prepubertal phase (14-49 days) and an adult phase (70-252 days). Immature and mature adult Leydig cells, initially detected at days 7 and 49, respectively, and mature adult Leydig cells were abundant Leydig cell type according to the number and absolute volume per testis form day 49 onwards.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.21-33
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• 1988

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of chlorambucil on the mouse Leydig cell by electron microscopy. Chlorambucil suspended in the 0.5N sodium bicarbonate(pH 8.0) was injected I.P.(intraperitoneal) at a dosage of level 20mg/kg for 1 weeks, 3 weeks and 5 weeks, respectively. The results obtained from this experiment are as follows: 1. One week after the administration of chlorambucil, there was an increase in heterochromatin, swelling and cristae disruption in some mitochondria, mild vacuolation between cells and the occurrence of membrane bound inclusions in some nuclei. 2. After 3 weeks, smooth endoplasmic reticulum dilations, cytoplasmic vacuolation, mitochondrial swelling, inner mitochondrial cristae disruption, membranous whorls, and intranuclear inclusions were observed in the treated cells. 3. After 5 weeks of treatment, most mitochondria were swollen and their membranes were severely disrupted. Further, smooth endoplasmic reticulum dilations and vacuolation of the cytoplasm were apparent in the treated Leydig cells. In addition numerous membranous whorls and intranuclear inclusion bodies were present. The nuclei displayed invaginatons of the nuclear membrane and large clumps of heterochromatin. From these results it is concluded the longer the duration of chlorambucil administration, the greater the degeneration of the nucleus and cytoplasmic organelles.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.37-42
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to examine the antioxidant effects on male mouse reproductive cells of the extract of Platycladi Semen. Methods : The extract was studied for diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, cell viability by a modified MTT assay, the effects on $H_2O_2$-induced cytotoxicity by MTT assay, lipid peroxidation by malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and super oxide dismutase (SOD), respectively. Results : The results showed that the extract scavenged DPPH radical in a dose-dependent manner by up to 74.87%. The cell viability of the extract was within 72~96% on Leydig cells and GC-2 cells at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 ug/ml. The hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity of Leydig cells was protected to 72.09% by the extract at concentration of 100 ${\mu}g/ml$. The hydrogen peroxide-induced lipid peroxidation of MDA formation was decreased to 1.80 and 1.65 nmoles/mg protein by the extract at concentrations of 50 and 100 ${\mu}g/ml$. The extract at all concentrations, SOD activity was not significantly changed. Conclusions : In conclusion, the extract of Platycladi Semen has antioxidant effects on Leydig cells and protect male reproductive system against oxidative stress.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Environmental Toocicology Conference
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• 2003.05a
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• pp.178-179
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• 2003

The testis is composed of four cell types like supporting cells, steroid-producing cells, connective tissue cells and germ cells. Apoptosis is a common phenomenon during spormatogenesis. Apoptosis of germ cells can also be induced by exposure to radiation. Previous studies have shown that most types of germ cells are rather radiosensitive while somatic cells in testis are much more radio-resistant. The somatic cells in testis are divided to mainly Sertoli and Leydig cells. Though somatic cells are more radio-resistant than germ cells, radiation can induce the impairment of their function. This damaged function of somatic cells may accelerates degeneration of germ cell indirectly. Tn the present study, we have examined the apoptotic effect of mouse testis and irradiation effect of steroidogenesis of Leydig cells after irradiation.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.285-292
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• 1999

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer known as one of endocrine disruptors. The present study was carried out to investigate the alterations of function and ultrastructure in rat testes after oral intubation of DEHP in dosages of 1g/kg/day, 2 g/kg/day or 3 g/kg/day in 0.5 ml of corn oil for 15 days. DEHP reduced the growth of body and testes, inhibited apermatogenesis and induced structural changes on various cell types of the rat testis. Leydig cells, Sertoli cells and the developing germ cells seemed to be impaired their differentiations in terms of the structural changes of cell organelles. The increase of heterochromatin in amount were common features in all 3 cell types. In addition, the Leydig cells were characterized by the swelling of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and perinuclear space, the increases in number and size of Iysosomes. The Sertoli cells became irregular in nuclear envelope and the number of Iysosomes and vacuoles seemed to be increased. There were some indications of necrosis of the germ cells, such as vacuolized nucleus and segregated nucleolus. And also, DEHP lowered the level of testosterone in experimental rat serum. DEHP suppressed apermatogenesis decreasing developing germ cells and these effects of DEHP on the rat testis were dose dependent. The detrimental effect of DEHP on apermatogenesis and ultrastructure of rat testes seems to be derived from the decreased level of testosterone by Leydig cells, followed by the abnomalities of Sertoli cells and the germ cells.

• Proceedings of the Korea Environmental Mutagen Society Conference
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• 2004.05a
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• pp.68-68
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• 2004

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Toxicology Conference
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• 2003.10b
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• pp.138-138
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• 2003

Tributyltin (TBT) is also recognized as an endocrine disrupter. Organotin compounds such as TBT are widely used as agricultural biocides, and for antifouling paint of ship bottoms and of fishing nets. In this study, we investigated the role of nur 77 in induction of apoptosis in TBT-induced leydig cells.(omitted)

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.129-131
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• 2019

A 15-year-old intact Yorkshire terrier was presented with anorexia, lethargy, and a pale mucous membrane. A physical examination one year ago revealed right testis mass and subcutaneous petechia. Blood work revealed severe thrombocytopenia and mild anemia, and no abnormalities were found in serum chemistry or ultrasonography. The preoperative serum estrogen concentration was moderately elevated. The enlarged testis was surgically removed. A well-encapsulated mass composed of polyhedral or round with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm containing fine granular or vacuolation were found in a histological examination of the removed tissue. The nuclei of tumor cells were round, and mitotic figures were low but neoplastic cells showed a mild invasive tendency to adjacent tissues with contained neoplastic cell emboli in one lymphatic lumen. A diagnosis of a malignant Leydig cell tumor was made. The patient recovered from surgery uneventfully, but his condition worsened despite repeated transfusions and supportive therapy, and he was euthanized according to the owner's decision. Leydig cell tumor should be included in estrogen toxicity associated with testicular mass.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.125-132
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• 1997

To investigate the cadmium (Cd) toxicity on the testis, male rats were treated with 1, 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg of Cd by IP. According to histochemical studies, Cd-treated testis tissue showed death of spermatozoa, death of Sertoli cells, death of all the spermatogenic cells, and finally disappearance of basal lamina of seminiferous tubules with increasing doses, and showed decreased ground substances and Leydig cells, increased inflammatory cells and fibroblasts, and fibroblasts, and finally disappearance of ground substances and all the cells except fibroblasts within interstitial tissues with increasing doses. According to biochemical studies, two kinds of proteins, 25 and 45 kDa, were dramatically disappeared from the total protein of rat testis treated with Cd comparing to normal testis. The result of electrophoresis of total protein suggests that actin (45 kDa), presumed on its mmolecular weight and amount, in the testis-cells is the primary target of Cd poisoning. Although its exact mechanism is not clear, the disappearance of two proteins when testis is exposed to Cd should give some clues to understnad the mechanism of necrosis of testis tissue crumbling by heavy metal pollutant such as Cd.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.181-188
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• 2006

Changes in the fine structure of testicular Leydig cell from hatching to adulthood were studied in Korean native chickens of 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 32, 44, 52 and 64 weeks (n=13 chickens per group) of age. The objective of this study were to elucidate Leydig cell ultrastructure during testicular development. Testes of chickens were fixed by whole body perfusion using a fixative containing 2.5% glutaraldehyde in cacodylate buffer, processed and embedded in Epon-araldite. Using $1{\mu}m$ sections stained with methylene blue-azure II, qualitative and quantitative(stereological) morphological studies were performed. The ultrastructural changes of the Leydig cell were investigated by ultrathin section with the transmission electron microscope. The stages of the Leydig cell development described focus on mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and lipid droplets which are involved in androgens as fullows. 1) Approaching puberty. The closely packed Leydig cells and sparse intercellular space. The nucleus occupied a large portion of the Leydig cell volume. The population of Leydig cells contained two types of cells that differed in the appearance of their nuclei which were either highly electron-opaque or relatively electron-lucid. The cytoplasm was characterized by large amounts of lipid droplets, relatively few spherical mitochondria, and sparse smooth endoplasmic reticulum. 2) Puberty to adult. The Leydig cells which display features compatible with significant androgen synthesis: large volume of cytoplasm containing extended smooth endoplasmic reticulum, abundant mitochondria, and reduction of lipid droplets.