Influence of Testosterone on Inflammatory Response in Testicular Cells and Expression of Transcription Factor Foxp3 in T Cells. (19th January 2015) - Fijak, Monika
Abstract Problem Previous studies demonstrated a strong association between low androgen levels and reduced capacity to mount an inflammatory response. However, the mechanisms underlying these observations are largely not understood. Methods of study Generation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in Leydig cell‐conditioned media was determined by flow cytometry and ELISA. Influence of testosterone on cytokine response was measured in LPS‐stimulated testicular macrophages, Sertoli and peritubular cells. Results Leydig cell‐conditioned media dose‐dependently stimulated expression of transcription factor Foxp3 and secretion of IL‐10 in splenic CD4+ T cells, an effect abolished by addition of the anti‐androgen flutamide. In isolated Sertoli and peritubular cells, testosterone pre‐treatment suppressed the LPS‐induced inflammatory response on TNF‐α mRNA expression, while no effect was evident in testicular macrophages (TM). Conclusions Androgens can influence the immune system under normal conditions by the generation and functional differentiation of regulatory T cells and in testicular inflammation by direct effect on Sertoli and peritubular cells.