Mast cell-Leydig cell relationships in the testis of the lizard Podarcis s. sicula Raf: thermal manipulation, ethane 1,2-dimethane sulphonate (EDS) and sex hormone treatment.
Mast cells of connective tissue type are scattered in the interstitial compartment of the lizard Podarcis s. sicula. Their number varies during the year, showing peaks in spring and in winter, respectively. Thermal manipulation affects mast cell number (MCN): high temperature decreased MCN in both January and May, while low temperature increased MCN only in January. Ethane dimethane sulphonate, a toxin which specifically destroys Leydig cells, induced an increase in MCN on days 3 and 7 of treatment. Oestradiol treatment provoked a strong increase in MCN that was blocked by tamoxifen. Blocking androgen receptors with cyproterone acetate resulted in an increase in MCN, while testosterone injection provoked a strong decrease. These results suggest a relationship between the presence of mature Leydig cells and mast cell proliferation and/or differentiation.
Dipartimento di Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate 'Filippo Bottazzi', Italy.
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S
Minucci
I I
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Vitiello
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C
Marmorino
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Di Matteo
G C
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Baccari
D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D003534:Cyproterone / Q000494:pharmacology; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008116:Lizards / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008698:Mesylates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012621:Seasons; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000494:pharmacology; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism*; D013739:Testosterone
D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D008698:Mesylates; D013629:Tamoxifen; D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol; D003534:Cyproterone; C002994:ethylene dimethanesulfonate