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The Leydig Cell in Health and Disease pp 71–89Cite as

The Human Leydig Cell

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Part of the book series: Contemporary Endocrinology ((COE))

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the functional morphology of the mature human Leydig cell with emphasis on the adult developmental phase. The morphology of the organelles involved with steroidogenesis is described and correlated with pertinent literature on the location of the enzymes involved. A second major topic revolves around cholesterol uptake, transfer and storage within the cell, and delivery to the mitochondria. Morphological correlates include the endosomal system, lysosomes, microperoxisomes, lipid droplets, mitochondrial associated membranes, and lipid-associated membranes. The described intimate associations of these various intracellular structures suggest extensive membrane fusion being the mechanism of cholesterol transfer and delivery to the cristae compartment of the mitochondria. A revised structural analysis of mitochondria in these steroid-producing cells is included, as well as previously unpublished evidence of a continuity of microperoxisomes with the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The emerging picture from these transmission electron microscopy images is an organelle assemblage which is highly dynamic, with membrane fusion likely being an important aspect of cellular function in steroidogenesis. Other ultrastructural features of Leydig cells are discussed, including “neuronal features.” A brief overview of the triphasic nature (fetal phase, neonatal phase, and adult phase) of Leydig cell development in human is provided, as is a description of the immature Leydig cells of childhood.

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  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH

    Frederick P. Prince PhD

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  1. Frederick P. Prince PhD
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  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA

    Anita H. Payne PhD

  2. Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY

    Matthew P. Hardy PhD

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Prince, F.P. (2007). The Human Leydig Cell. In: Payne, A.H., Hardy, M.P. (eds) The Leydig Cell in Health and Disease. Contemporary Endocrinology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-453-7_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-453-7_5

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