1996•Unpublished venueRequires access
Regulation of the Rate-Determining Step in the Steroidogenic Cascade in Rat Leydig Cells
Lizzy van Haren
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Abstract
textabstractThe testis consists of two compartments: the seminiferous tubules and the interstitium. The
primary function of the seminiferous tubules is the production of spermatozoa. The
developing germ cells are embedded in Sertoli cells, which form the blood-testis barrier by
specialized junctions in-between Sertoli cells (De Kretser and Kerr, 1988). The seminiferous
tubules are surrounded by a basal lamina and peri tubular myoid cells. The interstitium
contains Leydig cells (Leydig, 1850), blood vessels, lymphatics, and macrophages. The main
function of the interstitial tissue is production of androgens by the Leydig cells.