The long-term objectives of this project are to determine the mechanism(s) whereby GCs suppress male reproductive function. GCs have been previously show to have actions directly at the level of the testis, and to inhibit the expression of genes which encode testosterone biosynthetic enzymes. GCs have also been shown to control processes of cell proliferation and apoptosis in other cell types. The first and second specific aims of the proposal are to examine the effects of GCs administered either in vivo or in vitro on Leydig cell mitosis and apoptosis. The third specific aim of the proposal is to determine the level of c-jun expression in Leydig cells after treatment with GCs in vivo and in vitro. In all specific aims, cells will be prepared from rats of 3 different ages which span key development stages of the Leydig cell maturation, and will be treated with levels of GC which reflect either the normal milieu or that which would be expected under conditions of stress.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Fogarty International Center (FIC)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
5R03TW000962-02
Application #
6017433
Study Section
International and Cooperative Projects 1 Study Section (ICP)
Program Officer
Michels, Kathleen M
Project Start
1998-06-01
Project End
2001-05-31
Budget Start
1999-06-01
Budget End
2000-05-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Population Council
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10017
Gao, Hui-Bao; Tong, Ming-Han; Hu, Yan-Qin et al. (2003) Mechanisms of glucocorticoid-induced Leydig cell apoptosis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 199:153-63
Gao, Hui-Bao; Tong, Ming-Han; Hu, Yan-Qiang et al. (2002) Glucocorticoid induces apoptosis in rat leydig cells. Endocrinology 143:130-8