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Stromal cells from the rat prostate secrete androgen-regulated factors which modulate Sertoli cell function
K Swinnen1, J Cailleau, W Heyns
1Department of Developmental Biology, Onderwijs en Navorsing, Leuven, Belgium.
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Mesenchymal cells in the prostate produce mediators similar to those from testicular cells, influencing Sertoli cell function. These factors are androgen-controlled and affect key proteins like androgen binding protein and transferrin.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Cell biology
Background:
- Testicular peritubular cells secrete paracrine mediators (P Mod-S) that regulate Sertoli cell function.
- Androgen signaling controls P Mod-S production, highlighting the role of mesenchymal-epithelial interactions in testicular androgen action.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if mesenchymal cells from the prostate, another androgen-sensitive tissue, produce similar mediators.
- To compare the effects of prostatic stromal cell media with testicular peritubular cell media on Sertoli cells.
Main Methods:
- Rat Sertoli cell cultures were treated with spent media from testicular peritubular cells, prostatic stromal cells, and fibroblasts.
- Characterization of the active mediator's properties (non-dialyzable, heat and trypsin sensitivity) and androgen dependency.
Main Results:
- Spent media from both peritubular and stromal cells exhibited nearly identical effects on Sertoli cells.
- These effects included stimulating androgen binding protein and transferrin production and inhibiting FSH-inducible aromatase activity.
- Prostatic stromal cell media significantly modulated Sertoli cell function, while fibroblast media did not.
Conclusions:
- Mesenchymal tissues from different androgen target organs, like the testis and prostate, can produce analogous mediators.
- These mediators play a crucial role in mediating androgen action on epithelial cells within these tissues.