Isolation and culture of FSH responsive Sertoli cells.

Methods for the isolation and culture of enriched populations of Sertoli cells from 20-60 day old rats are described. The identity of the Sertoli cells was verified by bright light and electron microscopy. Freshly isolated Sertoli cells specifically bound follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) but not luteinizing hormone (LH) and responded to FSH stimulation with dramatic increase in cyclic AMP level. Isolated Sertoli cells, maintained in culture for 11 days, showed no evidence of proliferation but retained their characteristic ultrastructural features and FSH binding ability. Incubation of cultured cells with FSH resulted in a significant stimulation of cyclic AMP and androgen binding protein (ABP). Since the freshly isolated or cultured cells were predominantly (greater than 80%) Sertoli cells, these results provide direct evidence that the Sertoli cells represent a primary target site for FSH activity in the testes. The culture method also provides a valuable in vitro model for the study of chronic effects of various agents on the Sertoli cell.     

Studies on the mechanism of follicle-stimulating hormone-induced desensitization of Sertoli cell adenylyl cyclase in vitro

When Sertoli cells were cultured in the presence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a time-and concentration-dependent desensitization of FSH-responsive adenylyl cyclase (AC) was observed. Maximal desensitization (80%) was attained after 6-9 h of incubation with FSH (10 micrograms/ml; NIH-FSH-S12). During 24 h of incubation the concentration of FSH causing a half-maximal desensitization was about 100 ng/ml. Removal of the hormone from the culture medium was associated with a gradual reappearance of the FSH response. Follicle-stimulating hormone-induced desensitization of Sertoli cell AC was specific for homologous hormone, since AC activation by isoproterenol was unaffected. Furthermore, AC activity of control and FSH-desensitized cells was equally activated by GTP and fluoride, showing that the interaction of the guanyl nucleotide regulatory (N) component with the catalytic subunit is not affected during FSH-induced desensitization. A loss in specific FSH binding was detected after 9 and 24 h of exposure to FSH, but not at shorter times of incubation. Desensitization of Sertoli cell AC to both FSH and isoproterenol stimulation could also be achieved by dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP); however, a 30-40% desensitization required a high nucleotide concentration (1 mM) and a long incubation time (24 h). These results show that desensitization of Sertoli cell AC by FSH is associated with normal function of the N component, and precedes any significant loss in specific FSH binding sites. Furthermore, exogenous addition of dbcAMP (1 mM) did not cause the same effects on Sertoli cell AC as did FSH.     

The role of calcium in follicle-stimulating hormone signal transduction in Sertoli cells.

Sertoli cells are hormonally regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) acting upon a G-protein-linked cell surface FSH receptor. FSH increases intracellular cyclic AMP but the involvement of other signal transduction mechanisms including intracellular calcium in FSH action are not proven. Using freshly isolated rat Sertoli cells we measured cytosolic free ionized calcium levels by dual-wavelength fluorescence spectrophotometry using the calcium-sensitive fluorescent dye Fura2-AM. The cytosolic calcium concentration in unstimulated Sertoli cells was 89 +/- 2 nM (n = 151 experiments) and was markedly increased by either calcium channel ionophores (ionomycin, Bay K8644) or plasma membrane depolarization consistent with the presence of voltage-sensitive and -independent calcium channel in Sertoli cell membranes. Ovine FSH stimulated a specific, sensitive (ED50, 5.0 ng of S-16/ml), and dose-dependent (maximal at 20 ng/ml) rise in cytosolic calcium commencing within 60 s to reach levels of 192 +/- 31 nM after 180 s and lasting for at least 10 min. The effect of FSH was replicated by forskolin, cholera toxin, and dibutyryl cyclic AMP, suggesting that cyclic AMP may mediate the FSH-induced rise in cytosolic calcium. The FSH-induced rise in cytosolic calcium required extracellular calcium and was abolished by calcium channel blockers specific for dihydropyridine (verapamil, nicardipine), nonvoltage-gated (ruthenium red) or all calcium channels (cobalt). Thus FSH action on Sertoli cells involves a specific, rapid, and sustained increase in cytosolic calcium which requires extracellular calcium and involves both dihydropyridine-sensitive, voltage-gated calcium channels and voltage-independent, receptor-gated calcium channels in the plasma membranes of rat Sertoli cells. The replication by cyclic AMP of the effects of FSH suggests that calcium may be a signal-amplification or -modulating mechanism rather than an alternate primary signal transduction system for FSH in Sertoli cells.     

LH and FSH stimulation of cyclic AMP in specific cell types isolated from the testes.

The direct effect of LH and FSH on cyclic AMP levels in specific cell types, isolated from the rat testes, was investigated in vitro. LH significantly stimulated cyclic AMP production in isolated interstitial cells and had only a slight effect on the isolated germ cells. FSH significantly stimulated cyclic AMP production in isolated seminiferous tubules, organ cultures of testes explants, and isolated Sertoli cells, with only a small response elicited in the germ cells. FSH had no effect on the cyclic AMP levels in interstitial cells and either freshly isolated or cultured peritubular cells. These data indicate that the Sertoli cells and interstitial cells are the main cell types in the testes which respond to FSH and LH respectively with increased cyclic AMP production. A possible slight effect of either hormone on the cyclic AMP level in the germ cells has not be ruled out.     

Expression of the enkephalin precursor gene in rat Sertoli cells. Regulation by follicle-stimulating hormone

Searching for somatic cells expressing the preproenkephalin (A) gene in the testis, we have isolated Sertoli cells from the testes of 20-day-old rats. Cultured Sertoli cells contained a single species (about 1.5 kb) of preproenkephalin mRNA, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) transiently increased the mRNA abundance to a maximum (about 30 molecules per cell) at 12 h. Various compounds that activate the cyclic AMP system in Sertoli cells similarly increased the abundance of preproenkephalin mRNA. Moreover, FSH increased intracellular Met-enkephalin immunoreactive peptides in Sertoli cells. Thus, the preproenkephalin gene expression in Sertoli cells is positively regulated by FSH through the cyclic AMP system.     

Effect of simultaneous exposure to lead and cadmium on gonadotropin binding and steroidogenesis on granulosa cells: an in vitro study

Effects of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) both alone or in combination on the binding of LH and FSH on isolated granulosa cells were studied. Granulosa cells isolated from proestrous rats were incubated (in vitro) with lead acetate and/or cadmium acetate (0.03 microM of Pb or Cd) for 1 hr. LH binding was dropped to 84% in Pb treated cells, 72.5% in Cd treated cells and 74.8% in combined metal treated cells compared to control. FSH binding dropped to 85.5% in Pb treated cells, 71.16% in Cd treated cells and 72.5% in combined metal treated cells compared to control. Activity of 17beta Hydroxy Steroid Dehydrogenase (17betaHSDH), a key steroidogenic enzyme was reduced by 52% in Cd and 37% in combined metal exposed cells whereas Pb exposed cells showed 31% reduction in the enzyme activity. Pretreatment with SH groups protectants (glutathione [GSH], dithiothretol [DTT]) and zinc caused an ameriolation in enzyme activity whereas Zn pretreatment showed an increase in gonadotropin binding in metal exposed cells. These results suggest that both Pb and Cd can cause a reduction in LH and FSH binding, which significantly alters steroid production in vitro and exerts a direct influence on granulosa cell function.     

An activated human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor stimulates FSH-like activity in gonadotropin-deficient transgenic mice

FSH mediates its testicular actions via a specific Sertoli cell G protein-coupled receptor. We created a novel transgenic model to investigate a mutant human FSH receptor (FSHR(+)) containing a single amino acid substitution (Asp567Gly) equivalent to activating mutations in related glycoprotein hormone receptors. To examine the ligand-independent gonadal actions of FSHR(+), the rat androgen-binding protein gene promoter was used to direct FSHR(+) transgene expression to Sertoli cells of gonadotropin-deficient hypogonadal (hpg) mice. Both normal and hpg mouse testes expressed FSHR(+) mRNA. Testis weights of transgenic FSHR(+) hpg mice were increased approximately 2-fold relative to hpg controls (P < 0.02) and contained mature Sertoli cells and postmeiotic germ cells absent in controls, revealing FSHR(+)-initiated autonomous FSH-like testicular activity. Isolated transgenic Sertoli cells had significantly higher basal ( approximately 2-fold) and FSH-stimulated ( approximately 50%) cAMP levels compared with controls, demonstrating constitutive signaling and cell-surface expression of FSHR(+), respectively. Transgenic FSHR(+) also elevated testosterone production in hpg testes, in the absence of circulating LH (or FSH), and it was not expressed functionally on steroidogenic cells, suggesting a paracrine effect mediated by Sertoli cells. The FSHR(+) response was additive with a maximal testosterone dose on hpg testicular development, demonstrating FSHR(+) activity independent of androgen-specific actions. The FSHR(+) response was male specific as ovarian expression of FSHR(+) had no effect on hpg ovary size. These findings reveal transgenic FSHR(+) stimulated a constitutive FSH-like Sertoli cell response in gonadotropin-deficient testes, and pathways that induced LH-independent testicular steroidogenesis. This novel transgenic paradigm provides a unique approach to investigate the in vivo actions of mutated activating gonadotropin receptors.     

Regulation by FSH and dibutyryl cyclic AMP of the formation of androgen-binding protein in Sertoli cell-enriched cultures.

Sertoli cell-enriched preparations from testes of 20-day-old rats were cultured in a defined medium in the presence and absence of FSH or dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dcAMP). Androgen-binding activity was assayed in the culture medium, and related to testicular androgen-binding protein (ABP). The production and secretion of ABP by the Sertoli cell-enriched preparation was increased after FSH or dcAMP treatment of the primary culture. It is concluded that ABP is produced by Sertoli cells. The possibility of involvement of other cell types in the testis in ABP production is discussed.     

Morphofunctional changes in Leydig cells throughout the continuous spermatogenesis of the freshwater teleost fish, Serrasalmus spilopleura (Characiformes, Characidae): an ultrastructural and enzyme study

The freshwater fish Serrasalmus spilopleura (piranha) has a continuous type of reproduction; gametes are constantly produced and released during the reproductive cycle. The testes do not undergo seasonal morphological changes but exhibit two constant regions throughout the year: the medullar region (involved with spermatogenesis) and the cortical region (involved with spermiation and sperm storage). We have evaluated the ultrastructure of the Leydig cells and the activity of 3beta-HSD (an essential enzyme related to steroid hormone biosynthesis) and acid phosphatase (AcPase; lysosomal marker enzyme) in these two regions. The activity of 3beta-HSD is stronger in the medullar region, and the Leydig cells in this region have a variety of cytological features that reflect differences in hormone synthesis and/or that could be linked to steroidogenic cells under various degrees of hormonal activity. In the cortical region, 3beta-HSD activity is weak and the Leydig cells exhibit signs of degeneration, as confirmed by their ultrastructure and intense AcPase activity. These degenerative signs are indicative of cytoplasmic remodelling to degrade steroidogenic enzymes, such as 3beta-HSD, that could lead to senescence or even to autophagic cell degeneration. S. spilopleura thus constitutes an interesting model for increasing our understanding of steroidogenesis control in freshwater teleost fish.     

Hormone interactions in the Sertoli cells.

The effects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone in rat Sertoli cells were investigated in vitro by means of isolated cell populations. The Sertoli cells selectively bind FSH, and respond to FSH stimulation with increased accumulation of endogenous cyclic AMP and secretion of androgen-binding protein (ABP). FSH binding and cyclic AMP response in the Sertoli cells change dramatically during sexual maturation. Cyclic AMP response decreases despite an increase in FSH-binding receptors per cell. Evidence has been provided for the existence of cytoplasmic and nuclear androgen receptors and chromatin acceptor-sites that specifically bind the androgen-receptor complex in the Sertoli cells. A model has been proposed for the hormonal interactions in the seminiferous tubule and the possible role of Sertoli cells in mediating the hormonal effects on spermatogenesis.     

In vitro interactions between Sertoli cells and steroidogenic cells

Both the cell and the species specificities of the steroidogenic potentiating activity (SPA) of Sertoli cells on Leydig cells were studied using a coculture system. Coculture of purified pig Leydig cells with rat or pig Sertoli cells in the presence of FSH led in both cases, to a significant increase in hCG receptor number and in hCG-stimulated testosterone production. Similarly, coculture of bovine adrenal cells with rat or pig Sertoli cells enhanced the steroidogenic response of adrenal cells to ACTH and angiotensin II. Such effects were not observed when pig Leydig cells or bovine adrenal cells were cocultured with bovine aortic endothelial cells. Coculture of Sertoli and Leydig cells in the presence of hCG, resulted in a significant increase in FSH receptor number and in FSH-induced plasminogen activator activity. Such effects did not occur when Sertoli cells were cocultured with either adrenal or aortic endothelial cells.     

Regulation of Sertoli cell cyclic adenosine 3':5' monophosphate phosphodiesterase activity by follicle stimulating hormone and dibutyrl cyclic AMP

Total phosphodiesterase activity was measured in Sertoli cell culture after exposure to isobutyl-methyl-xanthine, dibutyryl cyclic AMP and FSH. After 24 hr of incubation both FSH and dibutyryl cAMP caused a significant increase in total phosphodiesterase activity of Sertoli cell homogenates (control: 66 ± 16 pmoles/min/mg protein; FSH: 291 ± 25 pmoles/min/mg protein; dibutyryl cAMP: 630 ± 70 pmoles/min/mg protein). FSH stimulation was potentiated by isobutyl-methyl-xanthine. Both in the presence and absence of xanthine, the induction of phosphodiesterase was dependent on the FSH concentration, with maximal stimulation achieved with 0.5–1.0 μg FSH/ml. The induction of phosphodiesterase activity by hormone was abolished by cycloheximide treatment. The data suggest that FSH regulates phosphodiesterase activity via changes of cAMP levels in Sertoli cell in culture.     

Environmental stress alters the developmental pattern of delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in Leydig cells of fetal rats: a quantitative cytochemical study

Quantitative cytochemistry was used to determine the effect of subjecting pregnant rats to environmental stress on the activity of delta 5-3 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) in Leydig cells of their fetuses. Enzyme activity was measured by microspectrophotometry in individual Leydig cells in cryostat sections of fetal testes on Days 16-21 postconception. Fetuses of stressed mothers lacked the peak of enzyme activity on Days 18 and 19 of gestation that is characteristic of Leydig cells of normal fetuses at this time. In addition, both before and after these 2 days, 3 beta-HSD activity in Leydig cells of stressed fetuses was significantly higher than normal. The altered developmental pattern of 3 beta-HSD activity in the stressed fetuses largely corresponds to the changes in plasma testosterone found previously in male fetuses of mothers exposed to the same regimen of stress. Thus, in the fetal Leydig cell, the activity of 3 beta-HSD, a key steroidogenic enzyme, can be modified by environmental stress, and provides an index of steroidogenic activity of the fetal testes and of the titers of circulating testosterone.     

Hormone interactions in the sertoli cells

Summary The effects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone in rat Sertoli cells were investigated in vitro by means of isolated cell populations. The Sertoli cells selectively bind FSH, and respond to FSH stimulation with increased accumulation of endogenous cyclic AMP and secretion of androgen-binding protein (ABP). FSH binding and cyclic AMP response in the Sertoli cells change dramatically during sexual maturation. Cyclic AMP response decreases despite an increase in FSH-binding receptors per cell. Evidence has been provided for the existence of cytoplasmic and nuclear androgen receptors and chromatin acceptor-sites that specifically bind the androgen-receptor complex in the Sertoli cells. A model has been proposed for the hormonal interactions in the seminiferous tubule and the possible role of Sertoli cells in mediating the hormonal effects on spermatogenesis. Presented in the formal symposium on Sexual Differentiation in Vitro and in Vivo at the 29th Annual Meeting of the Tissue Culture Association, Denver, Colorado, June 4–8, 1978. This work was supported by Grant P50 HD08338 from the NICHHD. Dr. barbara M. Sanborn is a recipient of Research Career Development Award 1-K04-HD00126 (NIH).     

Role of cyclic AMP and protein kinase on the steroidogenic action of ACTH, prostaglandin E1 and dibutyryl cyclic AMP in normal adrenal cells and adrenal tumor cells from humans.

The role of the cyclic AMP-protein kinase system in mediating the steroidogenic effect of ACTH, prostaglandin E1 and dibutyryl cyclic AMP, induced similar stimulations of protein kinase activity, cyclic AMP was studied using human adrenal cells isolated from normal and adrenocortical secreting tumors. At high concentrations of ACTH, complete activation of protein kinase of normal adrenal cells was observed within 3 min, at the time when cyclic AMP production was slightly increased and there was still no stimulation of steroidogenesis. At supramaximal concentrations, ACTH, PGE1 and dibutyryl cyclic AMP and cortisol productions in adrenal cells isolated from normal and from one adrenocortical tumor. In one tumor in which the adenylate cyclase activity was insensitive to ACTH, the hormone was unable to stimulate protein kinase or steroidogenesis, but the cells responded to both PGE1 and dibutyryl cyclic AMP. In another tumor in which the adenylate cyclase was insensitive to PGE1, this compound also did not increase protein kinase activity or steroidogenesis, but both parameters were stimulated by ACTH and dibutyryl cyclic AMP. After incubation of normal adrenal cells with increasing concentrations of ACTH (0.01-100 nM) marked differences were found between cyclic AMP formation and cortisol production. However at the lowest concentrations of ACTH exerting an effect on steroid production a close linked correlation was found between protein kinase activation and cortisol production, but half-maximal and maximal cortisol production occurs at lower concentration of ACTH than was necessary to induce the same stimulation of protein kinase. Similar findings were found after incubating the adrenal cells with dibutyryl cyclic AMP (0.01-10 mM). The results implicate an important role of the cyclic AMP-protein kinase system during activation of adrenal cell steroidogenesis by low concentrations of steroidogenic compounds.     

FSH receptors in isolated Sertoli cells: changes in concentration of binding sites at the onset of sexual maturation

Previous evidence has shown that isolated rat Sertoli cells have the capacity to metabolize C₁₉ and C₂₁ steroids and the steroidogenic activity is age-dependent and stimulated maximally by FSH in rats between 10 and 17 days of age. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether these age-related variations in sensitivity of Sertoli cells to FSH could be related to differences in FSH receptor concentrations. Sertoli cells were isolated at different ages from rats which had been irradiated in utero. Protein and DNA measurements of Sertoli cells from rats 6 to 65 days old indicated that protein content per Sertoli cell remained constant while DNA content progressively decreased up to 40 days of age. For quantitation of the FSH receptor, the 23,000 x g pellets of Sertoli cells were incubated with purified rat FSH which had been iodinated by the chloramine-T method. Sertoli cells isolated from rats 6, 10, 16 or 60 days of age, exhibited age-related differences in FSH binding activity: the concentration of FSH binding sites in Sertoli cells from 10 and 16 day old rats was significantly higher than in cells from 6 and 60 day old rats. This temporal pattern in FSH receptor concentration parallels the steroidogenic capacity and the FSH sensitivity of the Sertoli cells at the onset of sexual maturation.     

Second messengers mediating the effects of testis ecdysiotropin in testes of the gypsy moth,Lymantria dispar

Exposure of larval and pupal testes of Lymantria dispar to diacyl glycerol mimics, phorbol, 12-myristate, 13-acetate, and 11, 12 dibutyryl phorbol ester, induced or augmented synthesis of immunodetectable ecdysteroids. The non-esterified analog, 4α-phorbol, had little effect. H-7, a protein kinase C inhibitor, inhibited ecdysteroid synthesis. When testis ecdysiotropin and phorbol esters were administered together at the maximum effective dose of each, steroidogenesis was further enhanced. Therefore, diacyl glycerol may be a second messenger for testis ecdysiotropin in testes. In addition, testis ecdysiotropin induced a rapid rise and fall in cAMP titers in both larval and pupal testes. The cyclic AMP analog, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, induced ecdysteroid synthesis in larval testes, but had little steroidogenic effect in pupal testis sheaths. However, dibutyryl cyclic AMP inhibited the steroidogenic effect of testis ecdysiotropin in larval as well as pupal testes. Cyclic AMP may act to modulate the effects of testis ecdysiotropin in inducing ecdysteroid synthesis by testes of L. dispar. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Insulin Directly Regulates Steroidogenesis via Induction of the Orphan Nuclear Receptor DAX-1 in Testicular Leydig Cells

Testosterone level is low in insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes. Whether this is due to negative effects of high level of insulin on the testes caused by insulin resistance has not been studied in detail. In this study, we found that insulin directly binds to insulin receptors in Leydig cell membranes and activates phospho-insulin receptor-β (phospho-IR-β), phospho-IRS1, and phospho-AKT, leading to up-regulation of DAX-1 (dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia critical region, on chromosome X, gene 1) gene expression in the MA-10 mouse Leydig cell line. Insulin also inhibits cAMP-induced and liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1)-induced steroidogenic enzyme gene expression and steroidogenesis. In contrast, knockdown of DAX-1 reversed insulin-mediated inhibition of steroidogenesis. Whether insulin directly represses steroidogenesis through regulation of steroidogenic enzyme gene expression was assessed in insulin-injected mouse models and high fat diet-induced obesity. In insulin-injected mouse models, insulin receptor signal pathway was activated and subsequently inhibited steroidogenesis via induction of DAX-1 without significant change of luteinizing hormone or FSH levels. Likewise, the levels of steroidogenic enzyme gene expression and steroidogenesis were low, but interestingly, the level of DAX-1 was high in the testes of high fat diet-fed mice. These results represent a novel regulatory mechanism of steroidogenesis in Leydig cells. Insulin-mediated induction of DAX-1 in Leydig cells of testis may be a key regulatory step of serum sex hormone level in insulin-resistant states.     

Interactions between immature porcine Leydig and Sertoli cells in vitro

Summary Interactions between Leydig and Sertoli cells, as well as a stimulatory effect of FSH on Leydig cell activity, have been reported in many studies. In order to investigate these interactions, the ultrastructure of immature pig Leydig cells under different culture conditions has been studied. When cultured alone in a chemically defined medium, there is a marked regression of the Leydig cell smooth endoplasmic reticulum and a swelling of the mitochondria. Addition of FSH or hCG does not prevent these phenomena. Co-culturing of Leydig cells with Sertoli cells from the same animal maintains the smooth endoplasmic reticulum at the level seen in vivo and in freshly isolated Leydig cells. The addition of FSH to the co-culture stimulates its development and increases Leydig cell activity, as assessed by an increase in hCG binding sites and an increased steroidogenic response to hCG. These results suggest that Sertoli cells exert a trophic effect on Leydig cells, and that the stimulatory effect of FSH on Leydig cell function is mediated via the Sertoli cells. These results reinforce the concept of a local regulatory control of Leydig cell steroidogenesis.Post-Doctoral fellow supported by CIRIT, Generalitat de Catalunya, Spain     

On the mechanism of action of cholera toxin on isolated rat adrenocortical cells Comparison with the effects of adrenocorticotropin on steroidogenesis and cyclic AMP output

The effects of cholera toxin on isolated rat adrenocortical cells have been investigated. Both steroid and cyclic AMP output from adrenal cells were increased by the toxin in a dose dependent fashion. The concentration of toxin for half maximal stimulation for both of these responses was about 40 ng/ml. Maximal steroidogenesis and cyclic AMP output was obtained with similar concentrations of the toxin. A correlation was observed between the low amounts of cyclic AMP produced in response to all doses of cholera toxin and to physiologically significant concentrations of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) (< 0.1 munit/ml; i.e. submaximal for steroidogenesis in this system). This was in direct contrast to the much higher levels of cyclic AMP generated by concentrations of ACTH greater than 1 munits/ml. Time course studies demonstrated a time-lag between toxin addition and steroid response of at least 40 min. Binding of cholera toxin to adrenal cells was rapid and was 90% complete within 15 min at both 37 and 0°C. These data indicate that most of the delay in response to cholera toxin is due to processes subsequent to the initial binding interaction. Following the initial delay the subsequent maximal rate of steroidogenesis brought about by cholera toxin was very similar to that obtained with a concentration of ACTH that was maximal for steroidogenesis. Significant increases in cyclic AMP levels were detected about 20 min before increased steroidogenesis was apparent. Possible explanations for this result are considered. The results presented indicate great potential use for cholera toxin in the study of adrenal steroidogenic control mechanisms, particularly at the level of receptor mechanisms and the role of cyclic AMP.