Stimulation effect of neurotransmitters on the aromatization of testosterone by Sertoli cell-enriched cultures

The aromatization of testosterone has been studied in Sertoli cell-enriched cultures derived from 19-day-old rats. It was found that, besides dbcAMP and FSH, several neurotransmitters have a stimulatory effect. At a concentration of 10(-5) M, the strongest effects were noted with L-isoproterenol, L-norepinephrine, L-epinephrine and D,L-synephrine. Some stimulation was observed with dopamine, whereas histamine, melatonin and serotonin as well as acetylcholine and pilocarpine were ineffective. Experiments with alpha- and beta-adrenergic antagonists suggest that beta 2- and maybe also alpha-receptors are involved. The same maximal level of stimulation was generally observed for dbcAMP, FSH and isoproterenol. No further increase in activity was obtained with combinations of these compounds. It is concluded that adrenergic agonists may play a role in testicular development and function.