# PRO-OPIOMELANOCORTIN SYNTHESIS IN TESTES

> **NIH NIH R15** · TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY · 1992 · $97,547

## Abstract

Proopiomelanocortin synthesis in the testes Spermatogenesis, the process
by which the male germ cells are produced, is of prime importance to
both human male fertility and reproductive processes in animals.
Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is known to be synthesized in the testes and
is a precursor to several very important and biologically active
peptides which include adreno corticotropin (ACTH), melanocyte-
stimulating hormone (MSH), and beta-endorphin.  POMC derived peptides
are important in local regulation of the testes and may have two
potential roles.  First, these peptides may help maintain the structure
and organization of the gonads for spermatozoa production.  Second, POMC
derived peptides from POMC may act peripherally to regulate the
processes which are important for reproduction.

The goal of this research is to localize POMC expression study its
regulation by hormones.  POMC synthesis has been reported in Leydig
cells and in spermatocytes, however, other gonadal cell types may
produce this precursor protein.  This study is designed to localize the
cell type or types in testes which synthesize proopiomelanocortin, first
by selective cell depletion using irradiation to deplete the germ cells
and second using ethane dimethylsulfonate to destroy mature Leydig
cells.  These studies will be conducted in combination with androgen
maintenance, since mature Leydig cell loss deletes the endogenous source
of testosterone.  Second, hormonal regulation of proopiomelanocortin
production will be evaluated in vivo, using hypophysectomized rats.  The
hormones, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and follicle-stimulating
hormone which have known effects on Leydig cells, Sertoli cells and
germinal epithelium of the male gonad will be investigated for their
effects on cell types which produce POMC.  Insitu hybridization will be
used to confirm northern analysis of mRNA for positive cell localization
and to potentially confirm hormonal effects on POMC synthesis in vivo
models.  Regulation of POMC synthesis in the gonad may be very important
and may provide insights for overall control of spermatogenesis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2199669
- **Project number:** 1R15HD025651-01A3
- **Recipient organization:** TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** DGE6L9T3CW25
- **Principal Investigator:** NATHANIEL C MILLS
- **Activity code:** R15 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1992
- **Award amount:** $97,547
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 1992-06-01 → 1995-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2199669

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2199669, PRO-OPIOMELANOCORTIN SYNTHESIS IN TESTES (1R15HD025651-01A3). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2199669. Licensed CC0.

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