[Relationship between the Sertoli cell and germ cell apoptosis].
Germ cells exist in an environment created by Sertoli cells. The differentiation of germ cells from spermatogonia to sperm in the seminiferous epithelium is controlled by many factors such as hormones, growth factors, temperature and interaction with Sertoli cells. Paracrine signaling between these intimately associated cells also regulates the process of germ cell death. Sertoli cells' products play an important role in the process of germ cell differentiation in the testis, in which both the spontaneous and induced germ cell apoptosis often occur.
Zhang
Jiqiang
J
Faculty of Physiology, Medical College of Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515031, China.
Qin
Danian
D
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*