Down-regulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein in rat Leydig cells: implications for regulation of testosterone production during aging

Mech Ageing Dev. 1999 Mar 1;107(2):197-203. doi: 10.1016/s0047-6374(98)00149-3.

Abstract

Aging in rats is associated with reduced synthesis of steroid hormones. In the present study, response to gonadotropin and Bt2cAMP in vitro was significantly reduced in Leydig cells isolated from old versus young rats. StAR protein levels were similarly decreased in interstitial cells prepared from the testes of old rats.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Aging / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Down-Regulation
  • Leydig Cells / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Testosterone / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • Phosphoproteins
  • steroidogenic acute regulatory protein
  • Testosterone