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→Hormone Production
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Leydig cells produce testosterone using cholesterol as a base molecule. Leydig cells contain various enzymes such as 18-hydroxylase that facilitate the production of steroid hormones. In some species such as pigs, the testes also produce '''androstenone''' which acts as a pheromone and is secreted via the saliva, often producing a copulatory position from sows in oestrous. Androstenone is also responsible for bore taint.
Leydig cells produce testosterone using cholesterol as a base molecule. Leydig cells contain various enzymes such as 18-hydroxylase that facilitate the production of steroid hormones. In some species such as pigs, the testes also produce '''Androstenone''' which acts as a pheromone and is secreted via the saliva, often producing a copulatory position from sows in oestrous. Androstenone is also responsible for bore taint.
===Regulation of Male Sex Hormones===
===Regulation of Male Sex Hormones===
When LH binds to the Leydig cells, it stimulates the cellular messenger '''cAMP''' to '''activate protein kinase A'''. Protein kinase A undergoes a series of phosphorylations that in turn activate a series of enzymes that synthesis testosterone from the cholesterol base molecule. A portion of the testosterone produced in the Leydig cells diffuses into the Sertoli cells that are positioned adjacent to the Leydig cells in the testes but seperated by a basal lamina. This secreted testosterone is converted to to the female sex hormone estradiol in the Sertoli cell and as with the testosterone, a proportion diffuses into the blood, becoming part of the negative feedback system for LH.
When LH binds to the Leydig cells, it stimulates the cellular messenger '''cAMP''' to '''activate protein kinase A'''. Protein kinase A undergoes a series of phosphorylations that in turn activate a series of enzymes that synthesis testosterone from the cholesterol base molecule. A portion of the testosterone produced in the Leydig cells diffuses into the Sertoli cells that are positioned adjacent to the Leydig cells in the testes but seperated by a basal lamina. This secreted testosterone is converted to to the female sex hormone estradiol in the Sertoli cell and as with the testosterone, a proportion diffuses into the blood, becoming part of the negative feedback system for LH.