Regulation of steroidogenesis by atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in the rat testis: differential involvement of GC-A and C receptors.
Peptides
; 29(11): 2024-32, 2008 Nov.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18778744
Previous studies have established a stimulatory effect of natriuretic peptides (NP) on testosterone production in mouse Leydig cells as intense as that of LH. Chronic administration of ANP in mice, on the other side, reduced testosterone levels. So, the understanding of the role of ANP on testicular steroidogenesis has been impaired by discrepant findings. The aim of the present study was to clarify the physiological role of ANP in the rat testis steroidogenesis using a model that preserves the interactions between testis cells and a medium devoid of any circulating factors that could interfere with testosterone production. First, ANP was immunolocalized in the interstitial compartment of the rat testis, mainly in Leydig cells. We also determined the presence of ANP and both GC-A (guanylyl cyclase A) and C receptors by real-time PCR in testis. Perfusion in vitro of testis with ANP (1 and 3x10(-7)M) stimulated testosterone production in a time- and dose-dependent manner. On the other side, testosterone secretion induced by LH was blunted by ANP. Similar effect was obtained using the specific C receptor ligand, cANF, indicating the involvement of C receptor in such response. In conclusion, ANP stimulated testosterone production in the rat testis perfused in vitro but decreased testosterone production LH-induced, effect that seems to involve C receptor. To this extent, our results suggest the existence of a local and complex peptidergic system in the rat testis, involving ANP and its receptors that could importantly modulate the androgen biosynthesis.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Testículo
/
Testosterona
/
Fator Natriurético Atrial
/
Receptores do Fator Natriurético Atrial
/
Receptores de Peptídeos
/
Guanilato Ciclase
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Peptides
Ano de publicação:
2008
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Brasil
País de publicação:
Estados Unidos