Characterization of adrenergic control of the Leydig cell steroidogenesis: identification of both stimulatory and inhibitory components.

Percoll-purified Leydig cells were studied in vitro in order to evaluate the effect of adrenaline on testosterone (T) secretion. Adrenaline enhanced the basal and potentiated the hCG-induced T release. A similar effect was also obtained with the beta 2-agonist, salbutamol. Although phenylephrine, an alpha 1-agonist, did not alter the basal T secretion, it enhanced hCG-mediated T secretion. Para-aminoclonidine, an alpha 2-agonist, decreased the basal T release without altering the hCG-stimulated T release. These data demonstrate that either inhibitory or stimulatory effects on T release can be obtained and that they depend on the adrenoreceptor subtype involved.