IDENTIFICATION OF THYROTROPIN-RELEASING-HORMONE RECEPTOR MESSENGER-RNA IN THE LEYDIG-CELLS OF THE MOUSE TESTIS BY IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRH-R) mRNA was detected in cr yostat sections of the mouse testis using biotinylated oligonucleotide s complementary to the cDNA encoding the mouse pituitary TRH-R by in s itu hybridization. Hybridization signals were detected exclusively in the Leydig cells. The intensity of the signal was probe-concentration dependent. This result suggests that testicular TRH may serve as an au tocrine regulator of reproductive function and development via TRH-R i n a fashion that is similar or identical to that in the pituitary.