Regulation of the Rate-Determining Step in the Steroidogenic Cascade in Rat Leydig Cells

The testis consists of two compartments: the seminiferous tubules and the interstitium. The primary function of the seminiferous tubules is the production of spermatozoa. The developing germ cells are embedded in Sertoli cells, which form the blood-testis barrier by specialized junctions in-between Sertoli cells (De Kretser and Kerr, 1988). The seminiferous tubules are surrounded by a basal lamina and peri tubular myoid cells. The interstitium contains Leydig cells (Leydig, 1850), blood vessels, lymphatics, and macrophages. The main function of the interstitial tissue is production of androgens by the Leydig cells.