The development of rat Leydig cell progenitors in vitro: how essential is luteinising hormone?

Abstract

before Leydig stem cells differentiate into 3beta-HSD-positive progenitor cells, they acquire LH receptors and become precursor cells. LH appears to be essential, even at very low doses for the differentiation of these precursor cells into 3beta-HSD-positive progenitors, although a subpopulation of precursor cells can develop into progenitors independently of LH.