Leydig cell development and aging in the brown norway rat: Mechanisms and consequences

Barry R. Zirkin, Haolin Chen, Vassilios Papadopoulos

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Hypogonadism affects about 5 million American men and is associated with reduced lean body mass, bone mineral density, muscle mass, and libido. As in men, serum testosterone (T) declines in Brown Norway rats as a consequence of reduced Leydig cell T production in response to luteinizing hormone (LH) rather than from reduced LH. Reduced T is associated with reductions in Leydig cell cyclic adenosine monophosphate production, cholesterol transfer from intracellular sources into the mitochondria (the rate-determining step in T formation), and downstream steroidogenic enzymes. There is strong evidence for the involvement of altered balance between reactive oxygen production and the antioxidant defense system in age-related T reduction. These findings suggest that manipulation of the Leydig cell redox environment and/or the stimulation of cholesterol transfer into mitochondria may represent novel targets for the prevention or treatment of age-related reductions in T.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationConn's Handbook of Models for Human Aging
PublisherElsevier
Pages853-862
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9780128113530
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2018

Keywords

  • Aging
  • Brown Norway rat
  • Cholesterol
  • Leydig cell
  • Luteinizing hormone
  • Oxidative stress

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine(all)

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