Nickel induced structural and functional alterations in mouse Leydig cells in vitro

SummaryThe present study was aimed at investigating effects of nickel (NiCl2) on secretion of testosterone (T), cell viability, ultrastructure and apoptosis in mouse Leydig cells. Testosterone release was measured after 48 h of culture with 15.67, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 μmol/L NiCl2 or without NiCl2 using radioimmunoassay. Cell viability was assessed by a MTT (metabolic activity assay). Quantification of apoptotic cells was performed using TUNEL assay and the ultrastructural changes were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy. The viability was decreased after addition of ≥250 μmol/L NiCl2. A concentration-dependent depression of T production was observed. The percentage of apoptotic cells was significantly increased only after addition of 125, 250 and 1000 μmol/L NiCl2. After addition of ≥250 μmol/L NiCl2 higher incidence of euchromatin was observed. Lipid droplets and vacuoles in cytoplasm were increased after addition of ≥125 μmol/L NiCl2. NiCl2 induced decrease in numbers of mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum after treatment with ≥500 μmol/L NiCl2. Our findings suggest a negative effect of NiCl2 on steroidogenesis, viability, apoptosis and ultrastructure of mouse Leydig cells.