Retinol increases synthesis and secretion of Sertoli cell mannose-containing glycoproteins

Sertoli cell isolated from prepuberal rats were cultured in a chemically defined medium in the presence or in the absence or retinol. In the two experimental conditions the incorporation of 3H-mannose into cellular glycoproteins was measured. The results obtained demonstrated a 3 fold increase of mannose incorporation into cellular glycoproteins after retinol addition without any qualitative variation of their electrophoretic profile. Sertoli cell secretory activity increased of approximately 50% after retinol administration; the electrophoretic analysis showed that two of the secretory products were selectively enhanced by the vitamin addition.