The response of leydig cells isolated by Percoll to the stimulation of human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Objective: To observe the response of Leydig cells isolated by Percoll to the stimulation of human Chorionic Gonadotropin. Methods: Leydig cells were isolated and purified by a discontinuous Percoll gradient of 20%~80% and then cultured for 5 days. human Choronic Gonadotropin was given in different time and in different dosage. Testosterone was measured. Results: The purity of Leydig cells was 80%~85%. Testosterone decreased with time going. The peak of testosterone stimulated by hCG was in the first and second day of culturing. Low dose of hCG could cause highest production of testosterone. High dose of hCG may inhibit secreting of Testosterone. Conclusions:Highly purified Leydig cells could be obtained with Percoll. Both the first and second day of cluturing were the best time to stimulate with hCG. The available dosage of hCG was 1 IU/ml.