Direct action through the Sertoli cells is essential for androgen stimulation of spermatogenesis

O'Shaughnessy, P.J. , Verhoeven, G., De Gendt, K., Monteiro, A. and Abel, M.H. (2010) Direct action through the Sertoli cells is essential for androgen stimulation of spermatogenesis. Endocrinology, 151(5), pp. 2343-2348. (doi: 10.1210/en.2009-1333)

Abstract

Androgens act to stimulate spermatogenesis through androgen receptors (AR) on the Sertoli cells and peritubular myoid cells (PTM). Specific ablation of the AR in either cell type will cause a severe disruption of spermatogenesis. To determine whether androgens can stimulate spermatogenesis through direct action on the PTM alone or whether action on the Sertoli cells is essential we have crossed hypogonadal (hpg) mice which lack gonadotrophins and intratesticular androgen with mice lacking androgen receptors (AR) either ubiquitously (ARKO) or specifically on the Sertoli cells (SCARKO). These hpg.ARKO and hpg.SCARKO mice were treated with testosterone (T) or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) for 7 days and testicular morphology and cell numbers assessed. Androgen treatment did not affect Sertoli cell numbers in any animal group. Both T and DHT increased numbers of spermatogonia and spermatocytes in hpg mice but DHT has no effect on germ cell numbers in hpg.SCARKO and hpg.ARKO mice. T increased germ cell numbers in hpg.SCARKO and hpg.ARKO mice but this was associated with stimulation of FSH release. Results show that androgen stimulation of spermatogenesis requires direct androgen action on the Sertoli cells.

• Item Type: Articles (Other)
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Monteiro, Dr Ana and O'Shaughnessy, Professor Peter
• Authors: O'Shaughnessy, P.J., Verhoeven, G., De Gendt, K., Monteiro, A., and Abel, M.H.
• Subjects: Q Science > QP Physiology; Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Endocrinology
• Publisher: Endocrine Society
• ISSN: 0013-7227
• ISSN (Online): 1945-7170
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2010 The Endocrine Society
• First Published: First published in Endocrinology 151(5):2343-2348
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
41310	1	Testicular function in mice lacking sertoli cell androgen receptors and FSH receptors	Peter O'Shaughnessy	Wellcome Trust (WELLCOME)	078137/Z/05/Z	Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine