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Updated: Sep 26, 2026
Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes
Published on: February 8, 2016
Effects of dinoseb, 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol, and 2,4-dinitrophenol on rat Sertoli-germ cell co-cultures
Ken L Takahashi1, Hiroaki Aoyama, Kunio Kawashima
1Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Toxicology Division I, Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Ibaraki, Japan. k.takahashi@iet.or.jp
Abstract:
The effects of dinoseb (DNBP), a known testicular toxicant in the rat, on germ cells were investigated in Sertoli-germ cell co-cultures. Two DNBP-related dinitrophenolic compounds, 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol (DNOC) and 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), were also examined, as testicular toxicity of these compounds had not been elucidated. Cultures were exposed to each compound (10(-7)-10(-4)M) for 24h and examined for the number and viability of detached cells and morphologic alterations under a light microscope. DNBP significantly increased the number of detached cells (10(-5) and 10(-4)M) and suppressed their viability (10(-6)-10(-4)M). Morphologic observations revealed degenerative alterations in the germ cells and Sertoli cells. Similar effects as observed after DNBP exposure were evident at 10(-4)M DNOC and 10(-4)M DNP. These results demonstrate that DNBP, DNOC, and DNP have in vitro toxicity to these cell populations at high concentration, and suggest the possibility that DNOC and DNP also cause testicular damage in experimental animals and humans.
Insights
Dinoseb (DNBP), DNOC, and DNP show in vitro toxicity to Sertoli and germ cells at high concentrations. These dinitrophenolic compounds may cause testicular damage, highlighting risks for reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Cell Biology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Dinoseb (DNBP) is a known testicular toxicant in rats.
- The testicular toxicity of related dinitrophenolic compounds, 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol (DNOC) and 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), is not well-understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of DNBP, DNOC, and DNP on rat Sertoli-germ cell co-cultures.
- To assess the potential testicular toxicity of DNOC and DNP.
Main Methods:
- Sertoli-germ cell co-cultures were exposed to DNBP, DNOC, and DNP at concentrations ranging from 10(-7)M to 10(-4)M for 24 hours.
- Evaluated detached cell counts, cell viability, and morphological alterations under light microscopy.
Main Results:
- DNBP significantly increased detached cells and decreased viability at concentrations of 10(-5)M and 10(-4)M, and 10(-6)M to 10(-4)M, respectively.
- Degenerative changes were observed in both germ cells and Sertoli cells following DNBP exposure.
- DNOC and DNP at 10(-4)M induced similar toxic effects to Sertoli-germ cells as observed with DNBP.
Conclusions:
- DNBP, DNOC, and DNP exhibit in vitro toxicity to Sertoli and germ cells at high concentrations.
- These findings suggest that DNOC and DNP may also induce testicular damage in vivo, posing potential risks to reproductive health.
