DNA topoisomerase I from Leydig cells is modulated by luteinizing hormone and cyclic adenosine monophosphate.

The action of luteinizing hormone on topoisomerase I activity from rat Leydig cells was studied. Stimulation of the enzyme was observed after long-term (24 and 48 h) gonadotrophin treatment in in vivo experiments. No change could be detected for shorter times than 12 h using two different experimental approaches. Topoisomerase I was stimulated by cAMP in a whole cell extract in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. These results suggest that topoisomerase I could be a target for nuclear events induced by peptide hormone action.