In vivo effects of follicle-stimulating hormone on testicular macrophages.

The effect of an intraperitoneal injection of various hormones on the incorporation of amino acids and uridine into acid-precipitable material by subsequently isolated testicular macrophages was investigated. It was found that treatment with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), but not luteinizing hormone (LH) or insulin, significantly increased incorporation of amino acids into secreted (but not cellular) protein and uridine incorporation into cellular RNA in a dose-dependent manner. Maximal responsiveness was observed at a dose of 50 micrograms of the hormone. These studies demonstrate that FSH has an action on testicular macrophages in vivo.