MAST CELL-LEYDIG CELL RELATIONSHIPS IN THE TESTIS OF THE LIZARD PODARCIS-S-SICULA RAF - THERMAL MANIPULATION, ETHANE 1,2-DIMETHANE SULFONATE (EDS) AND SEX-HORMONE TREATMENT

Mast cells of connective tissue type are scattered in the interstitial compartment of the lizard Podarcis s. sicula. Their number varies dur ing the year, showing peaks in spring and in winter, respectively. The rmal manipulation affects mast cell number (MCN): high temperature dec reased MCN in both January and May, while low temperature increased MC N only in January. Ethane dimethane sulphonate, a toxin which specific ally destroys Leydig cells, induced an increase in MCN on days 3 and 7 of treatment. Oestradiol treatment provoked a strong increase in MCN that was blocked by tamoxifen. Blocking androgen receptors with cyprot erone acetate resulted in an increase in MCN, while testosterone injec tion provoked a strong decrease. These results suggest a relationship between the presence of mature Leydig cells and mast cell proliferatio n and/or differentiation.