Sertoli cell function

Chapin RE, Phelps JL, Burka LT, et al. 1991. The effects of tri-ozt/zo-cresyl phosphate and metabolites on rat Sertoli cell function in primary culture. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 108 194-208. 

Heindel, J.J. Powell, C.J. (1992) Phthalate ester effects on rat Sertoli cell function in vitro effects of phthalate side chain and age of animal. Toxicol appl. Pharmacol, 115, 116-123 Hellwig, J., Freudenberger, H. Jackh, R. (1997) Differential prenatal toxicity of branched phthalate esters in rats. Food Cosmel Toxicol, 35, 501-512 Hildebrand, H., Schmidt, U., Kempka, G, Jacob, R., Ahr, H.J., Ebener, C., Goretzki, RE. Bader, A. (1999) An in-vitro model for peroxisome proliferation utilizing primary hepatocytes in sandwich culture. Toxicol. In Vitro, 13, 265-273... 

Janecki A Steinberger A (1986) Polarized Sertoli cell functions in a new two-compartment culture system. J Androl, 7(1) 69-71. 

The Sertoli cell plays a key metabolic role in the processes of germ cell development. Compounds that disrupt Sertoli cell metabolism would be expected to cause testicular toxicity. For example, 1,3-dinitro-benzene and other nitroaromatic compounds cause testicular toxicity apparently by disruption of Sertoli cell function. These compounds can undergo reductive metabolism to toxic nitroso intermediates, which may be ultimately responsible for the Sertoli cell toxicity. As indicated above, microtubules play an important role in support and transport processes. Hexanedione has been studied extensively as an agent capable of altering testicular microtubules. Other compounds that disrupt microtubule assembly and Sertoli cell function include the fungicide ben-omyl and the antiinflammatory agent colchicine, both of which prevent the assembly of testicular tubulin into microtubules. 

These initial observations of 2,5-HD-induced alterations in microtubule assembly led to the articulation of a tubulin-based hypothesis for 2,5-HD-induced testicular injury as follows [1] intoxication with 2,5-HD alters microtubule assembly kinetics, [2] altered assembly produces changes in the number and length of Sertoli cell microtubules which compromises Sertoli cell function, and [3] malfunctioning, nonsupportive Sertoli cells dismpt germ cell maturation resulting in testicular atrophy (25). 

Meroni, S. B., Riera, M. F., Pellizzari, E. H., and Cigorraga, S. B. (2002). Regulation of rat Sertoli cell function by FSH possible role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway. J Endocrinol 174, 195-204. 

The testes secrete testosterone and manufacture spermatoztta. Before puberty, gonadotrophin and testosterone concentrations in plasma are very low. The development of the l.eydig cells and their secretion of testosterone is influenced by LH. whereas Sertoli cell function is influenced by FSH. Stimulation and maintenance of spermatogenesis require that both FSH and LH be present (Fig. I). Testosterone is responsible for growth and function of the prostate and epididymis, and for the development of the male secondary sex characteristics such as hair growth, deep voice and characteristic musculature. 

Newton, S.C., Murphy, L.L., and Bartke, A. (1993) In vitro effects of psychoactive and non-psychoactive cannabinoids on immature rat Sertoli cell function. Life Sci 53 1429-1437. 

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