Leydig cells nonspecifically suppress lymphoproliferation in vitro: implications for the testis as an immunologically privileged site.
We have studied the influence of mouse testis cells on unstimulated lymphoproliferation; on allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction; and on concanavalin A-stimulated, phytohemagglutinin-stimulated, or lipopolysaccaride-stimulated responses in vitro. Co-culture with highly enriched irradiated (2000 R) Leydig cells (LC) led in each case to a considerable reduction of 3H TdR uptake. Prolonged tissue graft survival times suggest that the testis is an immunologically privileged site. This may be explained by an immune-suppressive function of LC in vivo. LC are also capable of selectively binding lymphoid and myeloid cells to their surface. This capacity, accompanied by a suppression of immune reactivity in situ, may play a role in cases of testicular relapse observed in acute leukemia.
D000818:Animals; D002469:Cell Separation; D003208:Concanavalin A / Q000494:pharmacology; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008809:Mice, Inbred C3H; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*
D003208:Concanavalin A