The influence of temperature on the functions of cultured Sertoli cells

Three functions of Sertoli cells were examined with cells from rats aged 13 and 25 days at 34 C, 38 C, and 40 C, namely protein synthesis (incorporation of amino acids into material precipitated by trichloroacetic acid), transport of alpha-aminoisobutyric acid, and production of lactate. A fourth function, namely production of cAMP was examined at two temperatures (34 C and 38 C) in cells from rats aged 25 days. In all cases, activity was greater at 38 C than at 34 C and greater at 40 C than at 38 C. Lysate of Sertoli cells showed similar differences in protein synthesis at the three temperatures, again at both ages. Protein synthesis was higher at 38 C than at 34 C in Sertoli cell-enriched tubules from rats aged 25 days and in Sertoli cells from normal rats of the same age cultured on rat tail collagen. The difference in protein synthesis at the two temperatures was seen whether the cells were cultured, before the experiment, for 7 days at 38 C or at 34 C. Production of cAMP by Sertoli cells was greater at 38 C than at 34 C. It is concluded that Sertoli cells do not show in vitro any inhibitory effect of body temperature on any of the functions tested, but on the contrary, are more active at body than at scrotal temperature. The possible significance of the differences seen is discussed.