Leydig cell

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Leydig cell

Histological section through testicular parenchyma of a boar. 1 Lumen of convoluted part of the seminiferous tubules, 2 spermatids, 3 spermatocytes, 4 spermatogonia, 5 Sertoli cell, 6 myofibroblasts, 7 Leydig cells, 8 capillaries

Cross-section of seminiferous tubules. Arrows indicate location of Leydig cells.
Gray's	subject #258 1243
MeSH	Leydig+cells
Dorlands/Elsevier	c_18/12224005

Leydig cells, also known as interstitial cells of Leydig, are found adjacent to the seminiferous tubules in the testicle. They can secrete testosterone and are often closely related to nerves. Leydig cells have round vesicular nuclei and a granular eosinophilic cytoplasm.

1 Nomenclature
2 Functions
3 Ultrastructure
4 Development
5 Additional images
6 References
7 See also
8 External links

[edit] Nomenclature

Leydig cells are named after the German anatomist Franz Leydig, who discovered them in 1850.^[1]

[edit] Functions

Leydig cells release a class of hormones called androgens (19-carbon steroids). They secrete testosterone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), when stimulated by the pituitary hormone LH (luteinizing hormone). LH increases cholesterol desmolase activity (an enzyme associated with the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone), leading to testosterone secretion by Leydig cells.

FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) increases the response of Leydig cells to LH by increasing the number of LH receptors.

[edit] Ultrastructure

Leydig cells are polygonal, eosinophilic cells with a round vesicular nucleus and contain lipid droplets. They contain abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum, which accounts for their eosinophilia. Frequently, lipofuscin pigment and rod-shaped crystal-like structures (Reinke's crystals) are found. ^[2] ^[3]

[edit] Development

Leydig cells form during the 16th and 20th week of gestation and are quiescent until puberty.

[edit] Additional images

Section of a genital cord of the testis of a human embryo 3.5 cm. long.

[edit] References

^ synd/625 at Who Named It
^ Al-Agha OM, Axiotis CA (2007). "An in-depth look at Leydig cell tumor of the testis". Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 131 (2): 311-7. PMID 17284120.
^ Ramnani, Dharam M (2005-01-25). Leydig Cell Tumor : Reinke's Crystalloids. Retrieved on March 28, 2007.