Failure of normal Leydig cell development in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor-deficient mice, but not FSHbeta-deficient mice: role for constitutive FSH receptor activity

• Published in: Endocrinology (Philadelphia) Vol. 144; no. 1; pp. 138 - 145
• Main Authors: Baker, Paul J, Pakarinen, Pirjo, Huhtaniemi, Ilpo T, Abel, Margaret H, Charlton, Harry M, Kumar, T Rajendra, O'Shaughnessy, Peter J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.2003
• Subjects: Animals; Cyclic AMP - metabolism; Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit - deficiency; Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit - genetics; Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit - physiology; Gene Expression; Leydig Cells - chemistry; Leydig Cells - physiology; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Point Mutation; Progesterone - biosynthesis; Receptors, FSH - deficiency; Receptors, FSH - genetics; Receptors, FSH - physiology; RNA, Messenger - analysis; Sertoli Cells - physiology; Testis - chemistry; Testis - growth & development; Testosterone - analysis; Transfection

Previous studies have suggested that FSH may be involved in regulation of Leydig cell function. We have examined this directly using two mouse models with null mutations in either the FSH beta-subunit (FSHbetaKO mice) or the FSH receptor (FSHRKO mice). Circulating LH levels were normal in adult FSHb...