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In vitro interactions between Sertoli cells and steroidogenic cells
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|January 29, 1986
Summary
Sertoli cells enhance Leydig cell function and adrenal cell steroidogenesis, demonstrating species-specific interactions. These findings are crucial for understanding testicular and adrenal cell communication and steroid hormone production.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Sertoli cells play a crucial role in regulating testicular function.
- Leydig cells are the primary source of testosterone in males.
- The interaction between Sertoli and Leydig cells is vital for spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cell and species specificities of Sertoli cell steroidogenic potentiating activity (SPA) on Leydig cells.
- To examine the effect of Sertoli cells on adrenal cell steroidogenesis.
- To determine the specificity of these interactions using a coculture system.
Main Methods:
- Coculture of purified pig Leydig cells with rat or pig Sertoli cells.
- Coculture of bovine adrenal cells with rat or pig Sertoli cells.
- Assessment of hCG receptor number, hCG-stimulated testosterone production, ACTH and angiotensin II-stimulated steroidogenesis, and FSH receptor number.
Main Results:
- Coculture with Sertoli cells significantly increased hCG receptor number and testosterone production in Leydig cells.
- Sertoli cells enhanced the steroidogenic response of adrenal cells to ACTH and angiotensin II.
- These potentiating effects were species-specific and not observed with aortic endothelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Sertoli cells possess steroidogenic potentiating activity on Leydig cells and adrenal cells.
- The activity of Sertoli cells is specific to the target cell type and species.
- These findings highlight the complex regulatory mechanisms in endocrine cell communication.