[Paracrine control of spermatogenetic stem cells: example of the leukemia inhibitory factor]

Correct regulation of spermatogonial mitosis and, more specifically, the control of the balance between differentiation and proliferation to allow renewal of the stem cell stock, are essential for the maintenance of spermatozoa production throughout life. The mechanisms underlying this control are still unknown. However, recent studies suggest that some locally produced cytokines may be involved in the regulation of spermatogonial activity. In this context, Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) exhibits interesting properties regarding stem cells and, particularly, primordial germ cells. The present study aimed at investigating LIF production and LIF binding abilities by/of the different testicular cells types (somatic and germ cells). Our study demonstrates that LIF is produced within the testis, mainly by peritubular cells which are in the vicinity of spermatogonia, the latter cells expressing high levels of LIF receptors. These results strongly suggest an involvement of LIF in the control of spermatogonial activity.