Androgen receptor signalling in peritubular myoid cells is essential for normal differentiation and function of adult Leydig cells.

Testosterone synthesis depends on normal Leydig cell (LC) development, but the mechanisms controlling this development remain unclear. We recently demonstrated that androgen receptor (AR) ablation from a proportion of testicular peritubular myoid cells (PTM-ARKO) did not affect LC number, but resulted in compensated LC failure. The current study extends these investigations, demonstrating that PTM AR signalling is important for normal development, ultrastructure and function of adult LCs. Notably, mRNAs for LC markers [e.g. steroidogenic factor 1 (Nr5a1), insulin-like growth factor (Igf-1) and insulin-like factor 3 (Insl3)] were significantly reduced in adult PTM-ARKOs, but not all LCs were similarly affected. Two LC sub-populations were identified, one apparently 'normal' sub-population that expressed adult LC markers and steroidogenic enzymes as in controls, and another 'abnormal' sub-population that had arrested development and only weakly expressed INSL3, luteinizing hormone receptor, and several steroidogenic enzymes. Furthermore, unlike 'normal' LCs in PTM-ARKOs, the 'abnormal' LCs did not involute as expected in response to exogenous testosterone. Differential function of these LC sub-populations is likely to mean that the 'normal' LCs work harder to compensate for the 'abnormal' LCs to maintain normal serum testosterone. These findings reveal new paracrine mechanisms underlying adult LC development, which can be further investigated using PTM-ARKOs.

[Determination of phospholipids in amniotic fluid in second half of pregnancy (author's transl)]. / Zur Ermittlung der Phospholipide im Fruchtwasser in der II. Schwangerschaftshälfte.

Phospholipids were established from amniotic gluid, between the 34th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy, using a modified technique of thin-layer chromatography to identify lecithin and sphingomyelin according to Gluck. Two different approaches were taken to quantitative determination of phospholipids.

[A cubical support pessary within the scope of complex therapy of threatening prematurity]. / Ein kubisches Stützpessar im Rahmen komplexer Behandlung der drohenden Frühgeburt.

Report about experience with a cubic supperting pessary for the prophylaxis and therapy in cervixinsufficiency or inpending premature delivery. The indication, selection, evaluation of riscfactors and the application of a complex therapy are discussed.--Information on therapeutic results and a first conclusion concerning the longtime incorporation of pessaries during pregnancy and the questions related to this. For the period under review, in which intensive prophylactic measures were carried out, a considerable decrease in premature deliveries could be achieved in the territory of pregnancy care center attached to our hospital.