Recombinant-Human-Erythropoietin (Rhuepo) Stimulates Testosterone Production On Isolated Adult-Rat Leydig-Cells

Erythropoietin (EPO), a glycoprotein considered a growth factor, corrects anemia of renal patients. These patients improve their sexual functions after EPO treatment. Recent data demonstrate that several grewth factors act, through a specific receptors, on Leydig cells influencing steroidogenesis. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of rHuEPO on testosterone secretion by isolated adult rat Leydig cells. Aliquots of high purified rat Leydig cells(90%-92%), by Percoll discontinuous gradients, were incubated inM-199 with glutamine, Hanks'salt, BSA 0.2%, at 34°C in controlled atmosphere, in shacking bathroom, in sterile polyethylene tubes containing rHuEPO (from 50 mU to 50 U/ml).After 3h the incubation was stopped and tubes were imrediatly centrifuged 1500g/15min and supernatant was stored at -20°C until testosterone assay by RIA method.