The Sertoli cell in vivo and in vitro

Abstract

The Sertoli cell extends from the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubule towards its lumen; it sends cytoplasmic processes which envelop different generations of germ cells. The use of Sertoli cell culture began to develop in 1975. To reduce germ cell contamination immature animals are generally used as Sertoli cell donors. Sertoli cell mitosis essentially occurs in sexually immature testes in mammals; mitosis of these cells is observed in vitro during a limited period of time. Sertoli cells in vivo perform an impressive range of functions: structural support of the seminiferous epithelium, displacement of germ cells and release of sperm; formation of the Sertoli cell blood-testis barrier; secretion of factors and nutrition of germ cells; phagocytosis of degenerating germ cells and of germ cell materials. Some of the Sertoli cell functions can be studied in vitro. The recent development of Sertoli cell culture on permeable supports (with or without extracellular matrix) has resulted in progress in understanding the vectorial secretion of several Sertoli cell markers. In addition to FSH and testosterone, several other humoral factors are known to influence Sertoli cell function. Furthermore, myoid cells bordering the tubules as well as germ cells are capable of regulating Sertoli cell activity. Sertoli cells are the most widely used testicular cells for in vitro toxicology. The testis is highly vulnerable to xenobiotics and radiations, yet the number of studies undertaken in this field is insufficient and should be drastically increased.

Incidence of disorders of spermatogenesis in middle aged Finnish men, 1981-91: two necropsy series

“…Sertoli cells are involved in the formation of the blood-testis barrier and are known to provide nutritional and mechanical support to spermatogenic cells, thereby sustaining normal spermatogenesis 32. In the present study, small seminiferous tubules were associated with disorders of spermatogenesis, corroborating our own earlier findings9 and suggesting a disturbance in the function of Sertoli cells or a decrease in their number as a possible aetiological mechanism for declining sperm counts.…”

Bioaccumulation of tributyltin and its impact on spermatogenesis in mud crab Scylla serrata (Forskal)

“…Omura et al (28) reported that daily doses of 10 mg/kg of TBT affected both testicular development and sperm counts. Jegou (29) found that dysfunction may lead to a reduction in sperm quality and possible infertility. Likewise, Fent and Hunn (30) suggested that TBT can also affect sperm count and male reproductive systems in aquatic organisms.…”

Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes

“…One of the vital functions of Sertoli cells is phagocytosis of degenerating and apoptotic germ cells and of germ cell material like the so called residual bodies 29 . It is known that residual bodies and cytoplasts from elongated spermatids adhere to isolated Sertoli cells and get phagocytosed 30 .…”