Fig. 6

The expression of steroidogenic enzymes and StAR decreased in Leydig cells after PS-MPs treatment. Primary Leydig cells were exposed to 0.5 μm PS-MPs for 24 h at various concentrations as indicated. A The content of testosterone in supernatant was determined by ELISA assays (n = 3). B The mRNA expression levels of 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, P450scc, P450c17, and StAR in Leydig cells after treatment with PS-MPs were determined by qRT-PCR (n = 3). C, D The expression of 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, P450scc, and P450c17 in cells was measured by western blotting. The expression levels were quantified with ImageJ (n = 3). Data are expressed as means ± SD. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001 vs. control