Characterization of different cell populations isolated from rat testis peritubular cells

Peritubular cells, a mixed population of myoid and non-myoid cells obtained by enzymatic treatments of rat seminiferous tubules, are currently utilized as a myoid cell population. We have morphologically and biochemically compared peritubular cells and purified myoid cells isolated from prepubertal rats. The two cell populations appear morphologically similar when cultured in the presence of serum: both appear to be composed of elongated cells when observed by phase-contrast microscopy. However, the two populations differ in the percentage of alkaline phosphatase positive cell since only a minority of the cells present in the peritubular cell population are positive for alkaline phosphatase expression. Secretory activity of myoid cells is higher when compared to the peritubular cell secretion. To the contrary, fibronectin is highly synthesized and secreted by the peritubular cells, suggesting that the non-myoid cells synthesize fibronectin at a high level. Myoid cells have also been cultured in a chemically defined medium without any serum addition. In this experimental condition the cells show a polygonal shape, which remains constant during culture time. Secretory activity and fibronectin synthesis and secretion of the cells cultured without serum are lower when compared to the values obtained in the presence of serum at the beginning of the culture. Moreover, the distribution of the cell-associated fibronectin is modified by the culture conditions: spotted on cells cultured in the absence of serum and fibrillar on cells cultured with serum. We therefore conclude that peritubular cells and myoid cells are significantly different cell populations and that serum addition to the culture medium dramatically influences the morphology and the metabolic activities of the myoid cells.