The hormonal and cellular control of Sertoli cell secretion.
Sertoli cells synthesize and secrete a number of cell-specific products including androgen binding protein (ABP), as well as "serum proteins" such as transferrin. The secretion of these proteins is regulated by extra-testicular hormones such as FSH and insulin; Leydig cell-produced steroids and proopiomelano-cortin-derived peptides; and the presence of peritubular myoid cells and/or factors secreted by these cells. Many of the Sertoli cell proteins are secreted in a cyclic fashion during the different stages of the spermatogenic cycle suggesting communication between Sertoli cells and developing germ cells. The availability of quantitative measurements for Sertoli cell-specific proteins such as ABP make it feasible to follow Sertoli cell function in vivo by measuring these products in serum. A bidirectional secretion of proteins by Sertoli cells is proposed to explain the presence of specific peptides in the male reproductive tract and blood.
D000727:Androgen-Binding Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004822:Epididymis / Q000502:physiology; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007328:Insulin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000502:physiology; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D013737:Testis / Q000502:physiology
D000727:Androgen-Binding Protein; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D007328:Insulin; D011506:Proteins; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone