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)

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Abstract

Androgens act to stimulate spermatogenesis through androgen receptors (ARs) on the Sertoli cells and peritubular myoid cells. 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 peritubular myoid cells alone or whether action on the Sertoli cells is essential, we crossed hypogonadal (hpg) mice that lack gonadotrophins and intratesticular androgen with mice lacking ARs 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 d 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
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.
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
Published Online:12 March 2010

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