page_title: Leydig cell
section_title: Clinical significance
hierarchical_section_title: Leydig cell / Clinical significance
caption_attribution_description: English: High magnification micrograph of a Leydig cell tumour of the testis. H&amp;E stain. Leydig cell tumours fall in the sex cord-stromal tumour subgroup of testicular tumours. Leydig tumour shown has: cells with moderate nuclear size variation, and cells with: prominent round central nucleoli, and an eosinophilic vacuolated cytoplasm. Classically, Leydig tumours have Reinke crystals, cylindrical crystalloid eosinophilic cytoplasmic bodies; these are not apparent in the micrograph. See also Image:Leydig_cell_tumour1.jpg - low magnification view. Image:Leydig_cell_tumour2.jpg - intermediate magnification view.
context_page_description: Leydig cells, also known as interstitial cells of Leydig, are found adjacent to the seminiferous tubules in the testicle. They produce testosterone in the presence of luteinizing hormone. Leydig cells are polyhedral in shape, and have a large prominent nucleus, an eosinophilic cytoplasm and numerous lipid-filled vesicles.
context_section_description: Leydig cells may grow uncontrollably and form a Leydig cell tumour. These tumours are usually benign. They may be hormonally active, i.e. secrete testosterone.
  Adrenomyeloneuropathy is another example of a disease affecting the Leydig cell: the patient's testosterone may fall despite higher-than-normal levels of LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
  Lateral electrical surface stimulation therapy has been found to cause proliferation of Leydig cells in rabbits.
caption: Micrograph of a Leydig cell tumour. H&E stain.
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