Nearly ten years after they published the first book devoted entirely to the Leydig cell, Matthew Hardy and Anita Payne have collaborated again to provide a comprehensive study of this fascinating and important cell type. The Leydig Cell in Health and Disease presents all of the developments in our understanding of Leydig cell biology and explores a wide variety of current and potential clinical applications. All aspects of Leydig cell biology, development, regulation, and physiology are explored in thirty-one expertly written chapters. The Leydig Cell in Health and Disease explores topics of great interest to the private sector, including the possible application of steroidogenesis discoveries to androgen synthesis or suppressing Leydig cell function as a key mechnanism in the development of a male contraceptive. This in-depth volume is an invaluable resource for information on the science and application of Leydig cell biology and function.

Explores current and future clinical applications of Leydig cell function in key cellular processes Examines toxins and other environmental factors that interfere with Leydig cell function Presents Leydig cell developments from a rigorous scientific application, with additional emphasis on clinical applications

Inhalt
Historical.- A History of Leydig Cell Research.- Cell Biology.- Structural and Histological Analysis of Leydig Cell Steroidogenic Function.- Fetal Leydig Cells.- Regulation of Leydig Cells During Pubertal Development.- The Human Leydig Cell.- Dynamics of Leydig Cell Regeneration After EDS.- Aging and the Decline of Androgen Production.- Steroidogenesis.- Regulation of Leydig Cell Cholesterol Metabolism.- The Role of StAR in Leydig Cell Steroidogenesis.- Steroidogenic Enzymes in Leydig Cells.- Development of Leydig Cell Steroidogenesis.- Peripheral Testosterone Metabolism.- Leydig Cell Aromatase.- The Role of Estrogen Sulfotransferase in Leydig Cells.- Endocrinology of Leydig Cells in Nonmammalian Vertebrates.- Regulation.- The Luteinizing Hormone Receptor.- Insights Into Leydig Cell Function From Mice With Genetically Modified Gonadotropin Action.- Growth Factors in Leydig Cell Function.- Insulin-Like Peptide 3 in Leydig Cells.- Neuronal Signaling Molecules and Leydig Cells.- Regulation of Leydig Cell Function as it Pertains to the Inflammatory Response.- Activins and Leydig Cell Development Differentiation, and Disease.- Transcription Factors as Regulators of Gene Expression During Leydig Cell Differentiation and Function.- Androgen Receptor in Leydig Cell Function and Development.- Physiology and Applied Aspects.- Fluid Exchange and Transport of Hydrophilic Factors in the Testis.- Immortalized Leydig Cell Lines as Models for Studying Leydig Cell Physiology.- Induction of Leydig Cell Tumors by Xenobiotics.- Environmental Factors That Disrupt Leydig Cell Steroidogenesis.- The Leydig Cell as a Target for Male Contraception.- Clinical Evaluation of Leydig Cell Function.