Spermatogenesis is dependent on the ability of Sertoli cells to form mature junctions that maintain a unique environment within the seminiferous epithelium. Adjacent Sertoli cells form a junctional complex that includes classical adherens junctions and testis-specific ectoplasmic specialisations (ES). The regulation of inter-Sertoli cell junctions by the two main endocrine regulators of spermat...

BACKGROUND The sertoli cells in the testis create unique and safe environment to protect seminiferous tubules from auto antigens and invading pathogens. These cells produce the survival factor of the blood-testis barrier and produce special materials such as androgen binding proteins and contribute to the coordinated action of spermatogenesis. Given that the sertoli cells play an essential role...

Spermatogonial stem cells are the only stem cells in the body that transmit genetic information to offspring. Although growth factors responsible for self-renewal of these cells are known, the factors and mechanisms that attract and physically maintain these cells within their microenvironment are poorly understood. Mice with targeted disruption of Ets variant gene 5 (Etv5) show total loss of s...

Testicular Sertoli cells protect pancreatic islet grafts from alloand autoimmune destruction; however, the mechanism(s) of protection is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether Fas ligand (FasL) and/ or transforming growth factor (TGF), immunoregulatory proteins produced by Sertoli cells, might mediate the protective effects of these cells against autoimmune destruction of islet...

This study uses a high purity cell culture system to extend previous observations of factors controlling the end of the Sertoli cell proliferative phase. Thyroid hormone, retinoic acid, and testosterone were assessed for their ability to halt the proliferative phase and regulate the expression of markers associated with maturation of the Sertoli cell. We show that these hormones share similar s...

Changes in Sertoli cell numbers and testicular structure during normal development and compensatory hypertrophy were assessed in crossbred Meishan x White Composite males. Boars were assigned at birth to unilateral castration at 1, 10, 56, or 112 days or to remain as intact controls through 220 days. The first testes removed were compared to assess testicular development. At 220 days, testicula...

OBJECTIVES Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on Sertoli cells are thought to have essential roles in sperm protection. This study was conducted to investigate the expression of TLR2 and TLR3 in Sertoli cells of men with azoospermia. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, testicular biopsies were taken from ten azoospermic men. Following enzymatic dissociation, the samples were moved to le...

AIMS To document the morphology, immunohistochemical staining properties, and ultrastructural features of hyaline material in Sertoli cell nodules of undescended testis and contrast them with those of sex cord tumour with annular tubules (SCTAT), which is histologically similar. To highlight the need to distinguish these nodules from other Sertoli cell hyperplasias, such as intratubular Sertoli...

The mechanism(s) that regulate and coordinate the events of spermiation and blood-testis barrier (BTB) restructuring in the seminiferous epithelium that occur concurrently at stage VIII of the seminiferous epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis are unknown. In this report, fragments derived from the laminin complex composed of laminin alpha3, beta3, and gamma3 chains (laminin-333) at the apical ec...

There has been no study aimed at directly determining of the periods of Sertoli cell proliferation in birds even domestic fowl. The aims of this study were to observe the cessation of post-hatching mitotic proliferation of Sertoli cells in domestic fowl, and to determine the volume density of Sertoli and germ cells during this period. A total of 50 Leghorn chicks were used in this study. The te...