Somatomedin-C/insulin-like growth factor 1: a differentiating factor of testicular function

Using primary culture in a chemically defined medium of somatic testicular cells from immature pig, we were able to demonstrate synthesis and secretion of Somatomedin-C/Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (Sm-C/IGF-1) by Sertoli cells, a process that is stimulated by Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF). The presence of IGF type 1 receptor was demonstrated on Sertoli cells. Sm-C/IGF-1 stimulates and potentiates the effects of FGF on both cell multiplication and secretion of plasminogen activator. The presence of both IGF type 1 and insulin receptors was also documented on immature Leydig cells. Pre-incubation of immature Leydig cells for 48 hours with Sm-C/IGF-1 resulted in a dramatic dose-dependent increment of both the LH receptor number and steroidogenic response to LH as well as a clear stimulation of DNA synthesis. These data provide new important insights on the role played by Sm-C, a growth and differentiating factor, on the maturation of the male gonad endocrine function.