LH and FSH stimulation of cyclic AMP in specific cell types isolated from the testes.

The direct effect of LH and FSH on cyclic AMP levels in specific cell types, isolated from the rat testes, was investigated in vitro. LH significantly stimulated cyclic AMP production in isolated interstitial cells and had only a slight effect on the isolated germ cells. FSH significantly stimulated cyclic AMP production in isolated seminiferous tubules, organ cultures of testes explants, and isolated Sertoli cells, with only a small response elicited in the germ cells. FSH had no effect on the cyclic AMP levels in interstitial cells and either freshly isolated or cultured peritubular cells. These data indicate that the Sertoli cells and interstitial cells are the main cell types in the testes which respond to FSH and LH respectively with increased cyclic AMP production. A possible slight effect of either hormone on the cyclic AMP level in the germ cells has not be ruled out.