Human Leydig Cells (HLC)

Product Description

Human leydig Cells (HLC) are located in the interstitium of the testis near the seminiferous tubules [1, 2]. One of the main functions of HLC is to produce testosterone after stimulation by pituitary luteinizing hormone [1, 2, 3]. HLC, through synthesis of testosterone, play a key role in mammalian sex determination by inducing differentiation of the Wolffian ducts into male reproductive organs [3]. Additionally, HLC produce insulin-like growth factor 3 which is required for scrotal descent of the testis [1]. Recent studies have indicated that molecules such as cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases can modulate testosterone production in HLC, suggesting that testosterone synthesis may be manipulated using pharmacological targeting [2]. Cultured HLC are a useful in vitro model to better understand testicular development and to develop treatments for male reproductive disorders.

iXCells Biotechnologies provides high quality HLC, which are isolated from human testis and cryopreserved at P1, with >0.5 million cells in each vial. HLC express cytokeratin-18, and GATA-4. They are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi and can further expand for 5 population doublings in Epithelial Cell Growth Medium (Cat# MD-0041) under the condition suggested by iXCells Biotechnologies.

Product Details

References

[1] Chen H, Ge R, Zirkin B. "Leydig cells: From stem cells to aging." Mol Cell Endocrinol. 306(1-2): 9-16. 
[2] Vasta V, Shimizu-Albergine M, Beavo J. "Modulation of Leydig cell function by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 8A." Proc Natl Acad Scie USA. 103(52): 19925-19930. 
[3] Lejeune H, Habert R, Saez JM. "Origin, proliferation and differentiation of Leydig cells." J Mol Endocrinol. 20(1): 1-25.