Leydig cell transplantation restores androgen production in surgically castrated prepubertal rats.

Prepubertal testicular dysfunction and the subsequent development of hypogonadism affects an estimated one in 200 children worldwide. As the testosterone levels are dynamic during development and puberty, traditional hormone treatment regimens are often inadequate, thereby leaving associated physiological conditions unresolved. Therefore, we have investigated the potential therapeutic effect of mature Leydig cell transplantation for the treatment of prepubertal primary hypogonadism through the use of a surgically induced hypogonadistic rat model system. In the experiment, Leydig cells were surgically isolated from mature Sprague-Dawley rats and transplanted into prepubertal recipients. Serum testosterone levels and microscopic analysis of the stained testicular interstitium were compared with sham-treated controls, as well as with castrated and intact rats during sexual development. At 4 weeks post-implantation, serum testosterone was detectable in Leydig cell recipients, but not in surgical controls, and progressively increased as a function of time until reaching levels comparable with sexually mature males at 12 weeks post-implantation. Histological analysis revealed a high rate of Leydig cell survival as well as steroidogenic secretory activity. Therefore, we conclude that mature Leydig cell transplantation in prepubertal hypogonadism recipients has therapeutic potential in rats and merits further investigation for clinical application.

[Allotransplantation of Leydig cells increases serum testosterone in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes of serum testosterone after allotransplantation of Leydig cells in rats. METHODS: Leydig cells were isolated from the testes of SD rats with the Percoll technique and serum testosterone of the receptors was determined once a month for 3 successive times. RESULTS: After allotransplantation of Leydig cells, the serum testosterone level of the receptors increased gradually, significantly higher at 3 months than that of the normal rats younger than 2 months old. CONCLUSION: Allotransplantation of Leydig cells has a promising application value in the treatment of male primary hypogonadism.