Sertoli cell-germ cell interactions and TGF beta 1 expression and secretion in vitro

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) has been reported to be secreted and to act within the somatic cells of the testis. We examined whether the TGF beta 1 expression is present at mRNA and protein levels in purified rat Sertoli cells (SC), purified pachytene spermatocytes (SPC), and early...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biochemical and biophysical research communications 1997-09, Vol.238 (3), p.905-909
Main Authors: Avallet, O, Gomez, E, Vigier, M, Jégou, B, Saez, J M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Cell Communication - genetics
Cells, Cultured
Coculture Techniques
Life Sciences
Male
Rats
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
RNA, Messenger - biosynthesis
Sertoli Cells - metabolism
Spermatozoa - metabolism
Spermatozoa - secretion
Transforming Growth Factor beta - biosynthesis
Transforming Growth Factor beta - genetics
Transforming Growth Factor beta - secretion
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Summary:Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) has been reported to be secreted and to act within the somatic cells of the testis. We examined whether the TGF beta 1 expression is present at mRNA and protein levels in purified rat Sertoli cells (SC), purified pachytene spermatocytes (SPC), and early spermatids (SPT) cultured alone or together. SC expressed a single TGF beta 1 transcript of 2.5 kb, but no TGF beta 1 protein could be detected in SC conditioned medium indicating that, if at all, SC secreted less than 10 pg/10(6) cells/24 h. Neither TGF beta 1 mRNA nor protein could be detected in either SPC or SPT. Coculture of SC with either SPC or SPT resulted in a 2-fold increase of TGF beta 1 mRNA and more importantly in the secretion of TGF beta 1 protein. These findings demonstrate that Sertoli cell-germ cell interactions regulate TGF beta 1 expression and secretion and indicate that TGF beta 1 may be involved in spermatogenesis.
ISSN:0006-291X
1090-2104
DOI:10.1006/bbrc.1997.7275