Effect of continuous low-dose gamma-irradiation on rat Sertoli cell function.
Continuous low-dose gamma-irradiation of mature rats induced a progressive degeneration of the germ cells. Blood FSH increased by 127, 176 and 214%, respectively, after 55, 70 and 85 days of treatment when compared to FSH levels in control rats (8.50 +/- 0.60 ng/ml); conversely, serum LH and testosterone levels were unchanged. The Sertoli cell function was affected by the treatment from 70 days on, as attested by androgen binding protein (ABP) and transferrin secretions which diminished 35-40%. Serum ABP levels were not altered, whatever the duration of irradiation, even though epididymal ABP contents (as well as concentrations) diminished 34-60% when compared to those of the controls. Moreover, in purified Leydig cells, LH-stimulated intracellular cAMP levels, which were decreased by seminiferous tubule medium (STM) from control rats, were enhanced in presence of STM from treated animals. Testosterone output was stimulated 9-fold in presence of oLH and further increased (46-76%) from stages XIV-V by STM prepared from control and irradiated rats, respectively. After 85 days the STM effects on both cAMP and testosterone syntheses were zero. These results demonstrate a probable alteration of Sertoli cell function after irradiation, but also a role of the germ cells in the regulation of the synthesis of ABP, transferrin and Sertoli cell paracrine factors.
Kamtchouing
P
P
Laboratoire de Biochimie, UA CNRS 609, CHU Côte de Nâcre, Caen, France.
Pinon-Lataillade
G
G
Papadopoulos
V
V
Guillaumin
J M
JM
Bardos
P
P
Maas
J
J
Perreau
C
C
Drosdowsky
M A
MA
Hochereau de Reviers
M T
MT
Carreau
S
S
D000727:Androgen-Binding Protein / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D004822:Epididymis / Q000032:analysis; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D005720:Gamma Rays; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000032:analysis; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D014168:Transferrin / Q000378:metabolism*
D000727:Androgen-Binding Protein; D014168:Transferrin; D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone