The cross talk of adrenal and Leydig cell steroids in Leydig cells

J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2019 Sep:192:105386. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105386. Epub 2019 May 29.

Abstract

Glucocorticoid is secreted by adrenal cortex, which binds to intracellular glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors to regulate steroidogenesis-related gene expression and testosterone production in Leydig cells. Glucocorticoid receptor activity shows inhibitory action on Leydig cell steroidogenesis, while mineralocorticoid receptor activity shows the stimulatory action. Leydig cells contain two important glucocorticoid-metabolizing enzymes, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and type 2, regulating the intracellular levels of glucocorticoids by a pre-receptor mechanism. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 is a bidirectional enzyme, and its direction is regulated by intracellular NADP+/NADPH redox potential. Leydig cells contain many steroidogenic enzymes, possibly regulating NADP+/NADPH redox potential by coupling with 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1. Here, we review the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase regulation and possible consequences in Leydig cell biology and pathology.

Keywords: 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; Glucocorticoid; Intracellular receptor transcription factor; Leydig cells; Testosterone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • 11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 / metabolism*
  • Adrenal Glands / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Corticosterone / metabolism*
  • Glucocorticoids / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Leydig Cells / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Testosterone / metabolism*

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Testosterone
  • 11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1
  • Corticosterone