Localization of androgen-binding protein in proliferating Sertoli cells in culture.
The peroxidase and immunofluorescent localization patterns of androgen-binding protein (ABP), a biological marker of Sertoli cell function, have been examined in cultured Sertoli cells isolated from 20- to 22-day-old rats. ABP immunoreactivity in the form of cytoplasmic granules of variable diameter was observed in Sertoli cells with characteristic lipid droplets and a colony-forming, epithelial-like growth pattern. Incubation of cultures with [3H]thymidine demonstrated that Sertoli cells continue to produce ABP while retaining their capability for synthesizing DNA and undergoing mitosis. A variable number of cultured Sertoli cells became morphologically transformed after exposure to follitropin (follicle-stimulating hormone) and pharmacological agents acting on cyclic nucleotide metabolism. The induced change in Sertoli cell shape coincided with a disappearance of ABP-containing granules from the cytoplasm. These observations demonstrate that localization of ABP by immunological techniques is a valuable tool for the characterization of structural and functional properties of Sertoli cell in culture.
D015056:1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D003994:Bucladesine / Q000494:pharmacology; D002455:Cell Division; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D051381:Rats; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D011987:Receptors, Steroid / Q000378:metabolism*; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013737:Testis
D011944:Receptors, Androgen; D011987:Receptors, Steroid; D003994:Bucladesine; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D015056:1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine