Interleukin-1 is a potent growth factor for immature rat sertoli cells.
Testes from rats of different maturational ages were explored for presence of paracrine sertoli cell growth factors. Pubertal and adult testes contained a 17 kDa protein, with potent stimulatory effect on immature Sertoli cell multiplication in vitro. The bioactivity of this protein was mimicked by rat interleukin-1 (IL-1) and neutralized by IL-1 receptor antagonist. A receptor-mediated action was further supported by the demonstration of IL-1 receptor type I mRNA and protein expression in the cultured sertoli cells and in intact immature rat testes. IL-1alpha showed higher efficacy in stimulating proliferation than IL-1beta and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and displayed synergistic action in combination with FSH. As IL-1alpha is constitutively produced by the rat testis and IL-1beta readily inducible by proinflammatory stimuli, our results suggest that IL-1 may serve as a growth factor for Sertoli cells under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Petersen
C
C
Department of Woman and Child Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. cecilia.petersen@kbh.ki.se
Boitani
C
C
Fröysa
B
B
Söder
O
O
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D008970:Molecular Weight; D051381:Rats; D017472:Receptors, Interleukin-1 / Q000378:metabolism; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D013737:Testis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D014020:Tissue Extracts / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D015854:Up-Regulation
D006133:Growth Substances; D007375:Interleukin-1; D017472:Receptors, Interleukin-1; D014020:Tissue Extracts; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone