# INTRATESTICULAR REGULATION OF LEYDIG CELL FUNCTION

> **NIH NIH K04** · GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY · 1994 · $67,500

## Abstract

A prerequisite for normal spermatogenesis is the coordination of Leydig
cell function with the needs of the spermatogenic phase of the
seminiferous epithelium.  This is achieved through the actio of
gonadotropins, and a reciprocal transfer of information between Leydig
cells and Sertoli cells.  It is also now clear that a local modulation
of Leydig and Sertoli cells, possibly independent of LH and FSH, occurs
within the testis and that these paracrine interactions are important in
regulating sperm production under normal conditions, or as part of a
local compensatory mechanism which operates when Leydig cell function
needs to be supported.  The proposed studies focus on the regulation of
Leydig cell function by Sertoli cells.  Our first specific aim is the
purification and characterization of the Sertoli cell secreted protein
which stimulus Leydig cell steroidogenesis.  Generation of antibodies,
partial amino acid sequencing, and molecular cloning of the bioactive
protein will permit us to determine its structure/function relationship[
as well as its relationship to other known protein(s).  Identification
of the receptor system through which this Sertoli cell protein acts on
Leydig cells, and of the step(s) in the steroid biosynthetic pathway
which are regulated by this protein is our second specific aim.  Part of
these studies will be to determine whether and how this protein modulates
Leydig cell responsiveness to LH. In view of our recent findings that the
polypeptide diazepam binding inhibitor (DB or endozephine) is a
paracrine/autocrine regulator of Leydig cell proliferation and
steroidogenesis, our third specific aim focuses on the understudying of
the mechanism of action of DB on Leydig cells.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2194571
- **Project number:** 1K04HD001031-01
- **Recipient organization:** GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** TF2CMKY1HMX9
- **Principal Investigator:** Vassilios Papadopoulos
- **Activity code:** K04 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $67,500
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 1993-12-01 → 1998-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2194571

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2194571, INTRATESTICULAR REGULATION OF LEYDIG CELL FUNCTION (1K04HD001031-01). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2194571. Licensed CC0.

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