Testosterone-Induced Modulation of Nitric Oxide-cGMP Signaling Pathway and Androgenesis in the Rat Leydig Cells

Testosterone, acting as a systemic and local factor, is one of the major regulatory molecules that initiate and maintain testicular function. In the present study, different experimental approaches were used to evaluate the role of testosterone in regulation of the nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP pathway in Leydig cells derived from normal and hypogonadotropic male rats treated with testosterone for 24 h and 2 wk. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis revealed increased inducible NO synthase (NOS2) expression followed by increased NO secretion from Leydig cells ex vivo after continuous treatment with testosterone for 2 wk in vivo. The cGMP-specific phosphodiesterases Pde5, Pde6, and Pde9 were up-regulated, whereas PRKG1 protein was decreased after a 2-wk testosterone treatment. Induction of Nos2 and Pde5 in Leydig cells was blocked by androgen receptor antagonist. In experimental hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, expression of NOS2 was significantly reduced, and treatment with testosterone increased NOS2 expression above control levels. PDE5 protein level was unchanged in hypogonadal rats, whereas treatment of hypogonadal rats with testosterone significantly increased it. In contrast, hypogonadism and testosterone replacement reduced PRKG1 protein in Leydig cells. In vitro treatment with testosterone caused gradually increased Nos2 gene expression followed by increased nitrite and cGMP production by purified Leydig cells. In summary, testosterone up-regulated NO signaling via increased NOS2 expression and contributed to down-regulation of cGMP signaling in Leydig cells. Thus, testosterone-induced modulation of NO-cGMP signaling may serve as a potent autocrine regulator of testicular steroidogenesis.