scholarly journals Androgen Receptor Expression in Sertoli Cells as a Function of Seminiferous Tubule Maturation in the Human Cryptorchid Testis1

2001 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 413-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Regadera ◽  
Francisco MartÍnez-GarcÍa ◽  
Pilar González-Peramato ◽  
Alvaro Serrano ◽  
Manuel Nistal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Androgen Receptor ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Seminiferous Tubule ◽  
Staining Intensity ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Adult Type ◽  
Archival Collection ◽  
Cryptorchid Testis ◽  
Peritubular Cells

Androgen receptor (AR) immunohistochemistry was performed in an archival collection of adult human cryptorchid testes to determine whether AR cellular distribution and intensity of immunostaining were functions of the severity of cellular dysgenesis. The seminiferous tubule histology of cryptorchid testes collected from adults is marked by three specific patterns. 1) Seminiferous tubules are characterized as maintaining focal areas of germinal cell differentiation (albeit incomplete) that are interspersed with 2) tubules composed of Sertoli cells only, these latter cells being principally of the adult type, although dysgenetic and immature Sertoli cells may also be detected. 3) In contrast, there is a class of tubule that is characterized as being composed exclusively of Sertoli cells that are extremely dysgenetic in appearance. The majority of adult-type Sertoli cells found in the first types of tubules exhibited either robust or moderate AR staining intensity. Peritubular cells of these tubules also expressed a similar AR staining intensity. In contrast, in the more dysgenetic and immature type Sertoli cells found in the second type of tubules, the intensity of AR staining was significantly less, if not missing altogether. Finally, in the most dysgenetic tubules, Sertoli cell AR staining was never detected. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature that addresses the intensity of AR immunostaining in Sertoli cells of cryptorchid testes. The results presented herein are consistent with the interpretation that the intensity of AR staining in Sertoli cells diminishes as a function of the severity to which the cells are afflicted within a cryptorchid testis and that focal absence of AR expression in Sertoli cells correlates with a lack of local spermatogenesis in the tubules.

Secretion of transferrin in ovine seminiferous tubule cell cultures in response to FSH: influence of breed, season of birth and age of lambs

1993 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 83 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Monet-Kuntz ◽  
I Fontaine
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cultures ◽  
Dose Response ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Seminiferous Tubule ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testis Weight ◽  
Season Of Birth ◽  
Tubule Cell ◽  
Response Curves ◽  
Testicular Weight

The response of lamb Sertoli cells to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was investigated by measuring transferrin secretion in seminiferous tubule cell cultures throughout the non-pubertal and the prepubertal periods. Cells could be cultured from birth until they attained a testicular weight of 19 g. The characteristics of individual dose-response curves were compared according to the breed, season of birth and testicular weight of the lambs. At the same season of birth and within a given testis weight range, dose-response curves of Romanov and Ile-de-France lambs were similar. Within a given testis weight range, spring-born animals exhibited a higher maximal transferrin secretion than autumn-born lambs, but the ED50 was similar. The main factor of variation of the dose-response curve parameters was the testicular weight of the lambs: the amplitude of FSH response increased 3-fold from a testicular weight of 6 g onwards, i.e. from the appearance of spermatogonia in seminiferous tubules. The ED50 increased 5-fold from 11 g onwards, i.e. from the beginning of the prepubertal period. Thus, Sertoli cells become less sensitive to FSH as spermatogenesis develops in seminiferous tubules. This phenomenon is largely the result of higher phosphodiesterase activity and is greatly reduced by 1-methyl-3-isobutyl-xanthine (MIX).

scholarly journals The Testicular Antiviral Defense System: Localization, Expression, and Regulation of 2′5′ Oligoadenylate Synthetase, Double-Stranded RNA-activated Protein Kinase, and Mx Proteins in the Rat Seminiferous Tubule

1997 ◽  
Vol 139 (4) ◽  
pp. 865-873 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie Dejucq ◽  
Suzanne Chousterman ◽  
Bernard Jégou
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Seminiferous Tubule ◽  
Sendai Virus ◽  
Antiviral Defense ◽  
Defense System ◽  
Oligoadenylate Synthetase ◽  
Double Stranded Rna ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Peritubular Cells

Although the involvement of viruses in alterations of testicular function and in sexually transmitted diseases is well known, paradoxically, the testicular antiviral defense system has virtually not been studied. The well known antiviral activity of interferons (IFNs) occurs via the action of several IFN-induced proteins, among which the 2′5′ oligoadenylate synthetase (2′5′ A synthetase), the double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR), and the Mx proteins are the best known. To explore the antiviral capacity of the testis and to study the testicular action of IFNs, we looked for the presence and regulation of these three proteins in isolated seminiferous tubule cells, cultured in the presence or in the absence of IFN α, IFN γ, or Sendai virus. In all conditions tested, the meiotic pachytene spermatocytes and the post-meiotic early spermatids lacked 2′5′ A synthetase, PKR, and Mx mRNAs and proteins. In contrast, Sertoli cells constitutively expressed these mRNAs and proteins, and their levels were greatly increased after IFN α or Sendai virus exposure. While peritubular cells were also able to markedly express 2′5′ A synthetase, PKR, and Mx mRNA and proteins after IFN α or viral exposure, only PKR was constitutively present in these cells. Interestingly, IFN γ had no effect on peritubular cells' 2′5′ A synthetase and Mx production but it enhanced Mx proteins in Sertoli cells. In conclusion, this study reveals that the seminiferous tubules are particularly well equipped to react to a virus attack. The fact that the two key tubular elements of the blood–testis barrier, namely, Sertoli and peritubular cells, were found to assume this protection allows the extension of the concept of blood–testis barrier to the testicular antiviral defense.

scholarly journals Cyclic Expression of Endothelin-converting Enzyme-1 Mediates the Functional Regulation of Seminiferous Tubule Contraction

1999 ◽  
Vol 145 (5) ◽  
pp. 1027-1038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonella Tripiciano ◽  
Carmelina Peluso ◽  
Anna Rita Morena ◽  
Fioretta Palombi ◽  
Mario Stefanini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Seminiferous Tubule ◽  
Seminiferous Epithelium ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Myoid Cells ◽  
Endothelin 1 ◽  
Endothelin Converting Enzyme ◽  
Cyclic Expression

The potent smooth muscle agonist endothelin-1 (ET-1) is involved in the local control of seminiferous tubule contractility, which results in the forward propulsion of tubular fluid and spermatozoa, through its action on peritubular myoid cells. ET-1, known to be produced in the seminiferous epithelium by Sertoli cells, is derived from the inactive intermediate big endothelin-1 (big ET-1) through a specific cleavage operated by the endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE), a membrane-bound metalloprotease with ectoenzymatic activity. The data presented suggest that the timing of seminiferous tubule contractility is controlled locally by the cyclic interplay between different cell types. We have studied the expression of ECE by Sertoli cells and used myoid cell cultures and seminiferous tubule explants to monitor the biological activity of the enzymatic reaction product. Northern blot analysis showed that ECE-1 (and not ECE-2) is specifically expressed in Sertoli cells; competitive enzyme immunoassay of ET production showed that Sertoli cell monolayers are capable of cleaving big ET-1, an activity inhibited by the ECE inhibitor phosphoramidon. Microfluorimetric analysis of intracellular calcium mobilization in single cells showed that myoid cells do not respond to big endothelin, nor to Sertoli cell plain medium, but to the medium conditioned by Sertoli cells in the presence of big ET-1, resulting in cell contraction and desensitization to further ET-1 stimulation; in situ hybridization analysis shows regional differences in ECE expression, suggesting that pulsatile production of endothelin by Sertoli cells (at specific “stages” of the seminiferous epithelium) may regulate the cyclicity of tubular contraction; when viewed in a scanning electron microscope, segments of seminiferous tubules containing the specific stages characterized by high expression of ECE were observed to contract in response to big ET-1, whereas stages with low ECE expression remained virtually unaffected. These data indicate that endothelin-mediated spatiotemporal control of rhythmic tubular contractility might be operated by Sertoli cells through the cyclic expression of ECE-1, which is, in turn, dependent upon the timing of spermatogenesis.

Ontogeny of anti-Mullerian hormone, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and androgen receptor expression during ovine fetal gonadal development

1997 ◽  
Vol 153 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Sweeney ◽  
P T K Saunders ◽  
M R Millar ◽  
A N Brooks
Keyword(s):  
Androgen Receptor ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Rete Testis ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Androgen Receptor Expression ◽  
Surrounding Tissue ◽  
Ovine Fetal

Abstract Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and androgenic steroids are key factors regulating the masculinisation of the internal and external genitalia during fetal development. AMH is produced in Sertoli cells and causes regression of the Mullerian ducts in the male. 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) is one of the key steroidogenic enzymes regulating testosterone production in Leydig cells. The objective of this experiment was to elucidate the development of the ovine fetal testes by identifying the spatio-temporal expression of AMH, 3β-HSD and androgen receptor expression within them. Fetuses from days 30 and 40 of gestation were fixed intact, while the gonads were dissected from the fetuses on days 70, 100 and 130 of gestation. Tissue was fixed in Bouin's fixative for 6 h, processed into paraffin wax and sections immunostained using rabbit anti-human AMH, 3β-HSD or androgen receptor antibodies. While seminiferous cords were absent on day 30 of gestation, pre-cord organisation was apparent and the gonad could be clearly distinguished from surrounding tissue by the presence of AMH and 3β-HSD immunopositive cells. Androgen receptor expression was not apparent at this stage. By day 40 of gestation the testis was organised into distinct seminiferous cords and intense immunostaining for AMH and 3β-HSD was present in Sertoli cells within the cords and Leydig cells in the interstitium respectively. Androgen receptor immunopositive cells were present in the interstitium but cells destined to develop into rete testis were immunonegative. By day 70 of gestation, the rete testis was organised in the centre of the testis and was strongly androgen receptor immunopositive. AMH and 3β-HSD expression was present in Sertoli and Leydig cells respectively. The expression of AMH, 3β-HSD and androgen receptor in the 100 and 130 day gestation fetuses was similar to that identified in the 70 day fetuses. In conclusion, Sertoli and Leydig precursor cells are present in the gonad prior to seminiferous cord formation and contain AMH and 3β-HSD at all stages of gestation examined. While androgen receptor immunoexpression was present in nuclei of interstitial cells from day 40 of gestation and in the rete testis from day 70 of gestation, Sertoli cells were immunonegative for androgen receptor at all of the stages examined. Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 153, 27–32

scholarly journals Lack of Androgen Receptor Expression in Sertoli Cells accounts for the Absence of Anti-Mullerian Hormone Repression during Early Human Testis Development

2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 735-735
Author(s):  
Kahina Boukari ◽  
Geri Meduri ◽  
Sylvie Brailly-Tabard ◽  
Jean Guibourdenche ◽  
Maria Luisa Ciampi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Androgen Receptor ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Androgen Receptor Expression ◽  
Human Testis ◽  
Testis Development ◽  
Early Human

scholarly journals Sertoli Cell Androgen Receptor Expression Regulates Temporal Fetal and Adult Leydig Cell Differentiation, Function, and Population Size

Endocrinology ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 154 (9) ◽  
pp. 3410-3422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasmani Hazra ◽  
Mark Jimenez ◽  
Reena Desai ◽  
David J. Handelsman ◽  
Charles M. Allan
Keyword(s):  
Androgen Receptor ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Serum Testosterone ◽  
Absolute Number ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Androgen Receptor Expression ◽  
Adult Type ◽  
Dependent Relationship ◽  
Regulated Expression

We recently created a mouse model displaying precocious Sertoli cell (SC) and spermatogenic development induced by SC-specific transgenic androgen receptor expression (TgSCAR). Here we reveal that TgSCAR regulates the development, function, and absolute number of Leydig cells (LCs). Total fetal and adult type LC numbers were reduced in postnatal and adult TgSCAR vs control testes, despite normal circulating LH levels. Normal LC to SC ratios found in TgSCAR testes indicate that SC androgen receptor (SCAR)-mediated activity confers a quorum-dependent relationship between total SC and LC numbers. TgSCAR enhanced LC differentiation, shown by elevated ratios of advanced to immature LC types, and reduced LC proliferation in postnatal TgSCAR vs control testes. Postnatal TgSCAR testes displayed up-regulated expression of coupled ligand-receptor transcripts (Amh-Amhr2, Dhh-Ptch1, Pdgfa-Pdgfra) for potential SCAR-stimulated paracrine pathways, which may coordinate LC differentiation. Neonatal TgSCAR testes displayed normal T and dihydrotestosterone levels despite differential changes to steroidogenic gene expression, with down-regulated Star, Cyp11a1, and Cyp17a1 expression contrasting with up-regulated Hsd3b1, Hsd17b3, and Srd5a1 expression. TgSCAR males also displayed elevated postnatal and normal adult serum testosterone levels, despite reduced LC numbers. Enhanced adult-type LC steroidogenic output was revealed by increased pubertal testicular T, dihydrotestosterone, 3α-diol and 3β-diol levels per LC and up-regulated steroidogenic gene (Nr5a1, Lhr, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, Hsd3b6, Srd5a1) expression in pubertal or adult TgSCAR vs control males, suggesting regulatory mechanisms maintain androgen levels independently of absolute LC numbers. Our unique gain-of-function TgSCAR model has revealed that SCAR activity controls temporal LC differentiation, steroidogenic function, and population size.

Focal Orchitis in Undescended Testes

2002 ◽  
Vol 126 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-69
Author(s):  
Manuel Nistal ◽  
María Luisa Riestra ◽  
Ricardo Paniagua
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cell ◽  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Seminiferous Tubule ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Rete Testis ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Inflammatory Infiltrates ◽  
Lymphoid Infiltrates

Abstract Objective.—To evaluate seminiferous epithelium lesions in adult cryptorchid testes showing lymphoid infiltrates in seminiferous tubules and interstitium (ie, focal orchitis). Also, to consider the possible role of this lesion in the etiology of tubular atrophy. Methods.—We performed a histopathologic study of the cryptorchid testes and adjacent epididymides removed from 50 adult men who had not been previously treated for cryptorchidism. The study included morphologic and semiquantitative evaluation of seminiferous tubule pathology (according to germ cell numbers), Sertoli cell morphology, tubular lumen dilation, rete testis pattern (normal, hypoplastic, or cystic), and epididymal pattern (normal or epididymal duct hypoplasia). The study also included immunohistochemical evaluation of immune cell markers. The results were compared with clinical and laboratory findings. Results.—Focal lymphoid infiltrates (mainly lymphocytes) in seminiferous tubules and interstitium were found in 22 patients (44%), all of whom had unilateral cryptorchidism. The course of orchitis was asymptomatic, and laboratory data were normal. According to the seminiferous tubule pathology, a variety of histopathologic diagnoses, were made: (1) mixed atrophy consisting of Sertoli cell–only tubules intermingled with tubules showing maturation arrest of spermatogonia (11 testes, 4 of which also showed hyalinized tubules); (2) Sertoli cell–only tubules plus hyalinized tubules (4 testes); (3) Sertoli cell–only tubules (3 testes); (4) intratubular germ cell neoplasia (2 testes, 1 of which also showed hyalinized tubules); (5) complete tubular hyalinization (1 testis); and (6) tubular hyalinization plus some groups of tubules with hypospermatogenesis (all germ cell types were present although in lower numbers, 1 testis). Dysgenetic Sertoli cells, that is, Sertoli cells that had undergone anomalous, incomplete maturation, were observed in all nonhyalinized seminiferous tubules with inflammatory infiltrates. Tubular ectasia was observed in 13 cases. The rete testis was hypoplastic and showed cystic transformation in 18 testes, and the epididymis was hypoplastic in 15 testes. Conclusions.—The causes of these focal inflammatory infiltrates are unknown. It is possible that tubular ectasia and Sertoli cell dysgenesis are involved and that these alterations cause a disruption of the blood-testis barrier and allow antigens to enter the testicular interstitium, giving rise to an autoimmune process.

scholarly journals Thyroid hormone effects on androgen receptor messenger RNA expression in rat Sertoli and peritubular cells

1998 ◽  
Vol 156 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
NK Arambepola ◽  
D Bunick ◽  
PS Cooke
Keyword(s):  
Androgen Receptor ◽  
Thyroid Hormone ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Serum Free Medium ◽  
Free Medium ◽  
Serum Free ◽  
Peritubular Cells

Postnatal Sertoli cell maturation is characterized by a pronounced rise in androgen receptor (AR) expression, which increases several fold between birth and adulthood. Since both 3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T3) and FSH regulate Sertoli cell proliferation and differentiation, we have determined the effects of T3 and FSH on AR mRNA expression in cultured Sertoli cells from 5-day-old rats. These cultures contain 5-9% peritubular cells, which also express AR mRNA. To insure that the observed T3 responses did not result from peritubular cells, we examined T3 effects on AR mRNA expression in cultured 20-day-old Sertoli cells (which contain minimal peritubular contamination) and peritubular cells, and measured thyroid hormone receptor (TR) mRNA expression in both of these cell types. Sertoli cells from 5- and 20-day-old rat testes were grown in serum-free medium alone (controls) or with ovine FSH (100 ng/ml) and/or T3 (100 nM) for 4 days. Peritubular cells purified from 20-day-old rat testes were grown in serum-containing medium for 8 days. These cells were split 1:4, and grown an additional 8 days, the last 4 days in serum-free medium with or without T3. TR and AR mRNA levels in all cultures were determined by Northern blotting. AR mRNA levels in 5- and 20-day-old cultured Sertoli cells were significantly (P < 0.05) increased by both T3 and FSH alone. Furthermore, AR mRNA levels in Sertoli cells treated with T3 and FSH were greater than with either alone. TR mRNA expression was detected in cultured peritubular cells, but TR mRNA levels in these cells were only approximately 30% of that seen in 20-day-old cultured Sertoli cells. In contrast to Sertoli cells, T3 did not affect peritubular AR mRNA expression. These results indicate that T3 is an important regulator of the postnatal Sertoli cell AR mRNA increase. The additive effects of maximally stimulatory doses of FSH and T3 suggest these hormones work through different mechanisms to increase AR mRNA. TR mRNA expression in peritubular cells indicates these cells may be direct T3 targets, though the function of T3 in these cells is unknown.

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