In vitro effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on Leydig cells of adult alpaca (Lama pacos) testis: GnRH receptor immunolocalization, testosterone and prostaglandin synthesis, and cyclooxygenase activities

The main objective of this study was to examine the modulatory in vitro effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on isolated Leydig cells of adult alpaca (Lama pacos) testis. We first evaluated the presence of GnRH receptor (GnRHR) and cyclooxygenase (COX) 1 and COX2 in alpaca testis. We then studied the in vitro effects of buserelin (GnRH analogue), antide (GnRH antagonist), and buserelin plus antide or inhibitor of phospholipase C (compound 48/80) and COXs (acetylsalicylic acid) on the production of testosterone, PGE2, and PGF2α and on the enzymatic activities of COX1 and COX2. Immunoreactivity for GnRHR was detected in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells and in the acrosomal region of spermatids. COX1 and COX2 immunosignals were noted in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells. Western blot analysis confirmed the GnRHR and COX1 presence in alpaca testis. The in vitro experiments showed that buserelin alone increased (P < 0.01) and antide and buserelin plus acetylsalicylic acid decreased (P < 0.01) testosterone and PGF2α production and COX1 activity, whereas antide and compound 48/80 counteracted buserelin effects. Prostaglandin E2 production and COX2 activity were not affected by buserelin or antide. These data suggest that GnRH directly up-regulates testosterone production in Leydig cells of adult alpaca testis with a postreceptorial mechanism that involves PLC, COX1, and PGF2α.