1. 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
- Author
-
Loredana Di Matteo, C Marmorino, Italia Izzo Vitiello, Gabriella Chieffi Baccari, Sergio Minucci, Minucci, Sergio, VITIELLO IZZO, I, Marmorino, C, DI MATTEO, Loredana, and Chieffi, Gabriella
- Subjects
Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Connective tissue ,Reptile ,Mast cell proliferation ,Mast cell ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Sex hormone-binding globulin ,Leydig cell ,Internal medicine ,Testis ,medicine ,Animals ,Testosterone ,Mast Cells ,Sex hormone ,Cyproterone ,Gonadal Steroid Hormones ,Mesylates ,biology ,Estradiol ,Podarcis ,Estrogen Antagonists ,Cyproterone acetate ,Leydig Cells ,Androgen Antagonists ,Lizards ,Cell Biology ,biology.organism_classification ,Androgen receptor ,Tamoxifen ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Endocrinology ,chemistry ,Testi ,biology.protein ,Seasons ,Developmental Biology - Abstract
SummaryMast 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.
- Published
- 1995