Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2025

Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes
Published on: February 8, 2016
Origin and Role of Testicular Macrophages in Testis Development, Steroidogenesis, and Spermatogenesis
Rafal P Piprek1, Malgorzata Kloc2,3,4, Klaudia Porebska5
1Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland. rafal.piprek@uj.edu.pl.
Abstract:
Testicular macrophages are the principal immune cells in the testis. In addition to their classical immune roles, they regulate male hormone synthesis by Leydig cells, regeneration of Leydig cells, spermatogonia proliferation and differentiation, maintenance of testis-specific environment for sperm formation, and testis development. The juvenile and adult testes contain two distinct macrophage populations with unique tissue localization, genetic markers, morphology, and function. The interstitial macrophages are physically and functionally connected to Leydig cells, while the peritubular macrophages localize around the seminiferous tubules and are crucial for spermatogonia differentiation. Macrophages in the fetal testes regulate testis vasculature formation and clearance of mislocated cells. The origin of testicular macrophages is unclear. Some studies suggest their origin from the yolk sac and others from the bone marrow-derived monocytes. We discuss this issue at the end of this review article.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Testes: Histology
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
Spermatogenesis
Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the...
Testes: Gross Anatomy
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...
The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size....

