Luteinizing hormone-induced modifications of the cytoskeleton in cultured mouse Leydig cells.

Modifications of cytoskeleton organization during the culture of mouse Leydig cells in the presence or absence of luteinizing hormone (LH) have been demonstrated. The main changes were observed in the distribution of microfilaments. Stress fibres dispersed or even disappeared after 6 or 12 h of LH treatment. Concurrently, no substantial changes in microtubule and intermediate filament organization were found. The presence of tubulin or microtubule-associated protein in the mid-bodies and nuclei was noticed with the use of A8B3 monoclonal antibody. The increased amount of protein detected by this antibody was correlated with enhancement of androgen secretion and proliferation of cultured Leydig cells.