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Expression and Role of INSL3 in the Fetal Testis

Ivell, Richard; Mamsen, Linn Salto; Andersen, Claus Yding; Anand-Ivell, Ravinder

Expression and Role of INSL3 in the Fetal Testis Thumbnail


Authors

Richard Ivell

Linn Salto Mamsen

Claus Yding Andersen



Abstract

Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a small peptide hormone of the insulin-relaxin family which is produced and secreted by the fetal Leydig cells in the testes only. It appears to be undetectable in female fetuses. In the human fetus INSL3 synthesis begins immediately following gonadal sex determination at weeks 7 to 8 post coitum and the peptide can be detected in amniotic fluid 1 to 2 weeks later. INSL3 acts through a unique G-protein-coupled receptor, called RelaXin-like Family Peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2), which is expressed by the mesenchymal cells of the gubernacular ligament linking the testes to the inguinal wall. The role of INSL3 in the male fetus is to cause a thickening of the gubernaculum which then retains the testes in the inguinal region, while the remainder of the abdominal organs grow away in an antero-dorsal direction. This represents the first phase of testis descent and is followed later in pregnancy by the second inguino-scrotal phase whereby the testes pass into the scrotum through the inguinal canal. INSL3 acts as a significant biomarker for Leydig cell differentiation in the fetus and may be reduced by maternal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as xenoestrogens or phthalates, leading to cryptorchidism. INSL3 may have other roles within the fetus, but as a Leydig cell biomarker its reduction acts also as a surrogate for anti-androgen action.

Citation

Ivell, R., Mamsen, L. S., Andersen, C. Y., & Anand-Ivell, R. (2022). Expression and Role of INSL3 in the Fetal Testis. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 13, Article 868313. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.868313

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 14, 2022
Online Publication Date Apr 6, 2022
Publication Date Apr 6, 2022
Deposit Date Apr 25, 2022
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Frontiers in Endocrinology
Electronic ISSN 1664-2392
Publisher Frontiers Media SA
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 13
Article Number 868313
DOI https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.868313
Keywords Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism;RXFP2; cryptorchidism; endocrine disruption; leydig cell; testis descent; INSL3
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/7831127
Publisher URL https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2022.868313/full

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