Modulatory effects of adrenergic agonists on testosterone secretion from rat dispersed testicular cells or Percoll-purified Leydig cells

RESUMO

Freshly dispersed testicular interstitial cells as well as Percoll-purified Leydig cells were studied in vitro in order to evaluate the effect of adrenergic agonists on testosterone (T) secretion. Epinephrine and phenylephrine did not change the rate of T release under basal conditions in freshly dispersed interstitial cells, but enhanced it during human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation. Norepinephrine and clonidine had no effect on T secretion. In contrast, in Percoll-purified Leydig cells epinephrine increased T release both under basal and hCG-stimulated conditions. These data demonstrate that neurotransmitters may participate in T secretion from isolated Leydig cells