Research on the isolation of mouse Leydig cells using differential digestion with a low concentration of collagenase

J Reprod Dev. 2011 Jun;57(3):433-6. doi: 10.1262/jrd.10-123n. Epub 2011 Mar 8.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish a novel method for isolating and purifying Leydig cells from mice testes. Testes of postpuberal mice were harvested and digested in a low concentration of collagenase NB4 for 15 min 2 times. Cells obtained were cultured in low glucose DMEM with 10% FBS. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of Leydig cell biomarkers including 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, cholesterol side-chain cleaving enzyme (CYP11A1) and 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1). It was found that the purity of the isolated Leydig cells was 69.6 ± 4.16%. After 7 days in primary culture, it increased to 90%. The testosterone synthase spectrum could be detected at the primary culture. In conclusion, the application of a low concentration of collagenase for differential digestion allows isolation of large quantities of viable Leydig cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cell Separation / methods*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme / metabolism
  • Collagenases / metabolism*
  • Leydig Cells / cytology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase / metabolism
  • Testosterone / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Testosterone
  • 3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases
  • Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase
  • Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme
  • Collagenases