Estrogens potentiate the stimulatory effects of follicle-stimulating hormone on N-cadherin messenger ribonucleic acid levels in cultured mouse Sertoli cells.
Gonadal steroids and FSH are key regulators of Sertoli cell function. N-Cadherin (N-cad) is a calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecule that mediates Sertoli cell-germ cell interactions. We recently demonstrated that steroids, in particular estradiol, are potent regulators of testicular N-cad messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in vivo. In view of the cooperative effects of steroids and FSH on Sertoli cell-germ cell interactions, we examined the combined effects of these hormones on N-cad mRNA levels in cultured mouse Sertoli cells. FSH was capable of increasing N-cad mRNA levels 2-fold in these cells. The effects of FSH on N-cad mRNA levels in cultured Sertoli cells were mimicked by cAMP-inducing agents. Treatment of the Sertoli cell cultures with FSH and estradiol stimulated N-cad mRNA levels 3-fold, whereas steroids alone had no effect on N-cad mRNA levels. These studies demonstrate that FSH and estradiol in combination are required to achieve maximal N-cad mRNA levels in cultured Sertoli cells. The results obtained from these studies substantiate the hypothesis that estrogens play a pivotal role in regulating spermatogenesis.
MacCalman
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CD
Department of Surgery, McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Getsios
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S
Farookhi
R
R
Blaschuk
O W
OW
D000818:Animals; D015820:Cadherins / Q000235:genetics*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis*; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
D015820:Cadherins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D004958:Estradiol; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone