Abstract
Leydig cells (LC) are present in the testicular interstitial tissue, and their main function is to produce testosterone (T) for the maintenance of spermatogenesis and extratesticular androgenic and anabolic functions. LC appear in fetal life, and their hormonal products (T and INSL3) direct male fetal masculinization and early development of genital structures. After the quiescent phase between birth and puberty another adult LC population appears and persists until old age. Their T production is the key hormonal stimulus of the male phenotype. We will review here the development, function, regulation, as well as key pathophysiological aspects of the LC.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Encyclopedia of Reproduction |
| Editors | M.K. Skinner |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Pages | 30-38 |
| Volume | 1 |
| Edition | 2 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780128151457 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780128118993 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 30 Jul 2018 |
Keywords
- Aging
- Androgens
- Estradiol
- Fetal life
- Hypogonadism
- Insulin-like 3
- Leydig cell
- Male contraception
- Paracrine regulation
- Steroidogenesis
- Testosterone
- α-Dihydrotestosterone