Insights into the nature of human testicular peritubular cells

Human testicular peritubular cells are myofibroblast-like cells that surround the seminiferous tubules and are responsible for tubular contractility and sperm transport. In the last few years, several reports have augmented this simplified view, showing that peritubular cells are not only structural cells but also actively secrete paracrine mediators, thereby influencing the homeostasis of the testicular environment. This review is focussed on general aspects and functions of testicular peritubular cells, their potential role in male infertility and also on the recently described in vitro culture systems of human testicular peritubular cells, which will enable us to gain deeper insight into the regulation and functions of this peculiar cell type in health and disease.