Influence of gossypol on the secretory function of cultured rat sertoli cells

Cottonseed gossypol is a potent male contraceptive in several mammalian species including man. Sertoli cells play a crucial role in spermatogenesis. Therefore, the antifertility competence of gossypol may reflect a change in Sertoli cell function. Rat primary cultures were used to examine the effect of gossypol on cell viability, mitochondrial dehydrogenase function, lactate production and secretion of the Sertoli cell-specific protein inhibin. Exposure for 24 h to gossypol (3-6 microM) significantly enhance secretion of lactate but reduce secretion of inhibin without affecting cell viability. At 9-15 microM, the observed decrease of both lactate and inhibin accumulation apparently resulted from Sertoli cell degeneration and death, because viability and mitochondrial function were also reduced. The results suggest that mitochondria of Sertoli cells are a possible target for gossypol-induced infertility.