Localization of testosterone and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta5-delta4-isomerase in cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) testes.

The enzyme 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta5-delta4-isomerase (3beta-HSD) is essential for the biosynthesis of all classes of steroid hormones, including androgens. We localized testosterone and 3beta-HSD by light microscopic immunocytochemistry in the testes of adult cynomolgus monkeys. Immunoreactive testosterone was located as intense deposits in the labeled cytoplasm of Leydig cells, and located weakly in the interstitial tissues, basement membranes, and the regions near tubular walls within tubules. Immunoreactive 3beta-HSD was located in the cytoplasm of all Sertoli cells and was especially intense in the parts near tubular walls and located weakly to intensely in the cytoplasm of some Leydig cells. This is the first immunocytochemical evidence that Sertoli cells of cynomolgus monkeys, as well as Leydig cells, are involved in biosynthesis of androgens.