Reproduction Abstracts

Introduction: Leydig cells (LCs), the key producer of testosterone (T) in the testis, are affected by various factors such as hormone stimulation. There are various testicular cells that also affect LC function such as testicular interstitial macrophages (TIMs). TIMs are immune factor-producing cells, located adjacent to the LCs, sharing a close physiological and functional relationship. TIMs are associated with development and function of LCs. Ablation of TIMs have shown to i...

Introduction: CSF1 is the primary growth factor required for macrophage proliferation and differentiation. In adults, the receptor is expressed only in macrophages and their precursors. In mice, mutation of the CSF1 gene produces both male and female infertility due to diminished gonadal steroid production. We tested the effect of increased availability of CSF1 on gonadal development in pigs using CSF1-Fc, a CSF1 fusion protein with increased circulating half-life.<p class...