Leukemia inhibitory factor stimulates steroidogenesis of rat immature Leydig cells via increasing the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein

Growth Factors. 2016 Dec;34(5-6):166-176. doi: 10.1080/08977194.2016.1183199. Epub 2016 Oct 19.

Abstract

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has many physiological roles. However, its effects on Leydig cell development are still unclear. Rat immature and adult Leydig cells were cultured with different concentrations of LIF alone or in combination with luteinizing hormone (LH) for 24 h. LIF (1 and 10 ng/ml) significantly increased androgen production in immature Leydig cells, but had no effects on testosterone production in adult Leydig cells. Further studies revealed that LIF dose-dependently increased Star and Hsd17b3 expression levels in immature Leydig cells. Gene microarray revealed that the upregulation of anti-oxidative genes and Star might contribute to LIF-induced androgen production. In conclusion, LIF has stimulatory effects on androgen production in rat immature Leydig cells.

Keywords: LIF; StAR; Steroids; immature Leydig cells; steroidogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / genetics
  • 17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / metabolism*
  • Androgens / biosynthesis*
  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Leukemia Inhibitory Factor / pharmacology*
  • Leydig Cells / cytology
  • Leydig Cells / drug effects
  • Leydig Cells / metabolism*
  • Luteinizing Hormone / pharmacology
  • Male
  • Phosphoproteins / genetics
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Leukemia Inhibitory Factor
  • Phosphoproteins
  • steroidogenic acute regulatory protein
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • 17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases
  • 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3