Murine Sertoli cells: major histocompatibility antigens and glycoconjugates

Sertoli cells, cultured from testes of 2-3-week-old Balb/c mice, contain tripartite nucleoli, exhibit phagocytic function, and have the typical morphologic appearance of Sertoli cells by light microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis indicated the presence on mouse. Sertoli cells of H-2 but not Ia antigens. Alpha-D-mannose and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine determinants are detected on Sertoli cell surface by inhibition of lectin binding using appropriate sugars. Interaction of Sertoli cells with concanavalin A (Con A) or wheatgerm agglutinin (WGA) results in rapid patching of the labeled lectin, which become internalized as perinuclear vesicles. These changes are accompanied by rounding of the Sertoli cell, mimicking cellular changes known to occur when fat Sertoli cells are stimulated in vitro by FSH or cyclic AMP. Thus, Sertoli cells have surface alloantigens that permit them to serve as target to cytotoxic T lymphocytes, but not as antigen presenting cells.