Leydig Cells (LC)

Leydig cells (LC), also known as interstitial cells of Leydig, are found adjacent to the seminiferous tubules in the testicle. They produce testosterone in the presence of luteinizing hormone (LH). Leydig cells are polyhedral in shape, display a large prominent nucleus, an eosinophilic cytoplasm and numerous lipid-filled vesicles. The mammalian Leydig cell is a polyhedral epithelioid cell with a single eccentrically located ovoid nucleus. The nucleus contains one to three prominent nucleoli and large amounts of dark-staining peripheral heterochromatin. Peroxiredoxin 2 (Prdx2) is an antioxidant protein, the predominant function of which is to neutralize reactive oxygen species. Researches indicated that Prdx2 may prevent H2O2 accumulation in Leydig cells, and may be important in oxidative stress‑induced apoptosis and decreased testosterone production.