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Genome-wide profiling of DNA 5-hydroxymethylcytosine during rat Sertoli cell maturation. Cell Discov 2017; 3:17013. [PMID: 28529766 PMCID: PMC5423031 DOI: 10.1038/celldisc.2017.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells have dual roles during the cells' lifetime. In the juvenile mammal, Sertoli cells proliferate and create the structure of the testis, and during puberty they cease to proliferate and take on the adult role of supporting germ cells through spermatogenesis. Accordingly, many genes expressed in Sertoli cells during testis formation are repressed during spermatogenesis. 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is a DNA modification enzymatically generated from 5mC and present in all investigated mammalian tissues at varying levels. Using mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence staining we identified a substantial Sertoli cell-specific global 5hmC increase during rat puberty. Chemical labeling, pull-down and sequencing of 5hmC-containing genomic DNA from juvenile and adult rat Sertoli cells revealed that genes that lose or gain 5hmC belong to different functional pathways and mirror the functions of the cells in the two different states. Loss of 5hmC is associated with genes involved in development and cell structure, whereas gain of 5hmC is associated with genes involved in cellular pathways pertaining to the function of the adult Sertoli cells. This redistribution during maturation shows that 5hmC is a dynamic nucleotide modification, correlated to gene expression.
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Namwanje M, Brown CW. Activins and Inhibins: Roles in Development, Physiology, and Disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2016; 8:cshperspect.a021881. [PMID: 27328872 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a021881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Since their original discovery as regulators of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion and erythropoiesis, the TGF-β family members activin and inhibin have been shown to participate in a variety of biological processes, from the earliest stages of embryonic development to highly specialized functions in terminally differentiated cells and tissues. Herein, we present the history, structures, signaling mechanisms, regulation, and biological processes in which activins and inhibins participate, including several recently discovered biological activities and functional antagonists. The potential therapeutic relevance of these advances is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Namwanje
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Chester W Brown
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030 Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030 Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
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Makanji Y, Zhu J, Mishra R, Holmquist C, Wong WPS, Schwartz NB, Mayo KE, Woodruff TK. Inhibin at 90: from discovery to clinical application, a historical review. Endocr Rev 2014; 35:747-94. [PMID: 25051334 PMCID: PMC4167436 DOI: 10.1210/er.2014-1003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
When it was initially discovered in 1923, inhibin was characterized as a hypophysiotropic hormone that acts on pituitary cells to regulate pituitary hormone secretion. Ninety years later, what we know about inhibin stretches far beyond its well-established capacity to inhibit activin signaling and suppress pituitary FSH production. Inhibin is one of the major reproductive hormones involved in the regulation of folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis. Although the physiological role of inhibin as an activin antagonist in other organ systems is not as well defined as it is in the pituitary-gonadal axis, inhibin also modulates biological processes in other organs through paracrine, autocrine, and/or endocrine mechanisms. Inhibin and components of its signaling pathway are expressed in many organs. Diagnostically, inhibin is used for prenatal screening of Down syndrome as part of the quadruple test and as a biochemical marker in the assessment of ovarian reserve. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of our current understanding of the biological role of inhibin, its relationship with activin, its signaling mechanisms, and its potential value as a diagnostic marker for reproductive function and pregnancy-associated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogeshwar Makanji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.M., J.Z., C.H., W.P.S.W., T.K.W.), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60610; Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery (R.M., C.H.), Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208; and Department of Molecular Biosciences (N.B.S., K.E.M., T.K.W.), Center for Reproductive Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208
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Wu HJ, Liu C, Duan WX, Xu SC, He MD, Chen CH, Wang Y, Zhou Z, Yu ZP, Zhang L, Chen Y. Melatonin ameliorates bisphenol A-induced DNA damage in the germ cells of adult male rats. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2013; 752:57-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2013.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2012] [Revised: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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5
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Chapin RE, Kim JH. Introduction to the HESI-sponsored inhibin consortium. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 98:1-3. [PMID: 23349055 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.21048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Chapin
- Pfizer Drug Safety Research and Development, Groton, CT 06340, USA.
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6
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Hedger MP, Winnall WR. Regulation of activin and inhibin in the adult testis and the evidence for functional roles in spermatogenesis and immunoregulation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 359:30-42. [PMID: 21964464 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Revised: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Activin A provides a unique link between reproduction and immunity, which is especially significant in the adult testis. This cytokine, together with inhibin B and follistatin acting as regulators of activin A activity, is fundamentally involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis and testicular steroidogenesis. However, activin A also has a much broader role in control of inflammation, fibrosis and immunity. In the Sertoli cell, activin A is regulated by signalling pathways that normally regulate stress and inflammation, signalling pathways that intersect with the classical hormonal regulatory pathways mediated by FSH. Modulation of activin A production and activity during spermatogenesis is implicated in the fine control of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. The immunoregulatory properties of activin A also suggest that it may be involved in maintaining testicular immune privilege. Consequently, elevated activin A production within the testis during inflammation and infection may contribute to spermatogenic failure, fibrosis and testicular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Hedger
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Stanton PG, Sluka P, Foo CFH, Stephens AN, Smith AI, McLachlan RI, O'Donnell L. Proteomic changes in rat spermatogenesis in response to in vivo androgen manipulation; impact on meiotic cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41718. [PMID: 22860010 PMCID: PMC3408499 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The production of mature sperm is reliant on androgen action within the testis, and it is well established that androgens act on receptors within the somatic Sertoli cells to stimulate male germ cell development. Mice lacking Sertoli cell androgen receptors (AR) show late meiotic germ cell arrest, suggesting Sertoli cells transduce the androgenic stimulus co-ordinating this essential step in spermatogenesis. This study aimed to identify germ cell proteins responsive to changes in testicular androgen levels and thereby elucidate mechanisms by which androgens regulate meiosis. Testicular androgen levels were suppressed for 9 weeks using testosterone and estradiol-filled silastic implants, followed by a short period of either further androgen suppression (via an AR antagonist) or the restoration of intratesticular testosterone levels. Comparative proteomics were performed on protein extracts from enriched meiotic cell preparations from adult rats undergoing androgen deprivation and replacement in vivo. Loss of androgenic stimulus caused changes in proteins with known roles in meiosis (including Nasp and Hsp70–2), apoptosis (including Diablo), cell signalling (including 14-3-3 isoforms), oxidative stress, DNA repair, and RNA processing. Immunostaining for oxidised DNA adducts confirmed spermatocytes undergo oxidative stress-induced DNA damage during androgen suppression. An increase in PCNA and an associated ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (Ubc13) suggested a role for PCNA-mediated regulation of DNA repair pathways in spermatocytes. Changes in cytoplasmic SUMO1 localisation in spermatocytes were paralleled by changes in the levels of free SUMO1 and of a subunit of its activating complex, suggesting sumoylation in spermatocytes is modified by androgen action on Sertoli cells. We conclude that Sertoli cells, in response to androgens, modulate protein translation and post-translational events in spermatocytes that impact on their metabolism, survival, and completion of meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter G Stanton
- Prince Henry's Institute, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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Liu F, Li XL, Lin T, He DW, Wei GH, Liu JH, Li LS. The cyclophosphamide metabolite, acrolein, induces cytoskeletal changes and oxidative stress in Sertoli cells. Mol Biol Rep 2011; 39:493-500. [PMID: 21553225 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-011-0763-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2010] [Accepted: 04/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to explore the mechanism by which acrolein (ACR), a metabolite of cyclophosphamide (CP), induces immature Sertoli cell cytoskeletal changes. Sertoli cells obtained from rats were cultivated and treated with 50 and 100 μM ACR. XTT assays were performed to detect cell viability. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidases (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT), as well as total anti-oxidation competence (T-AOC) were examined. Superoxide anion levels were detected by a fluorescent probe. Cell ultrastructure changes were observed by transmission fluorescent microscope. Actin filament (F-actin) distribution was detected by immunofluorescence, and ERK and p38MAPK expression were detected by western blot analysis. ACR significantly decreased the viability of Sertoli cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. T-AOC and the antioxidant activity of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px, were decreased in ACR-treated groups compared with the control group. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in ACR-treated Sertoli cells were increased. In addition, characteristics of cell apoptosis such as mitochondrial swelling, aggregated chromatin, condensed cytoplasm, nuclei splitting, and nuclei vacuolization were observed in ACR-treated cells. Furthermore, ACR-treatment also induced microfilament aggregation, marginalization and regionalization. The expression levels of ERK and p38MAPK were also increased in ACR-treated cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. ACR, a major CP metabolite, impairs the cytoskeleton which is likely caused by induction of the oxidative stress response through up-regulation of ERK and p38MAPK expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Liu
- The Department of Pediatric Urology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 136, Zhongshan 2 RD, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China.
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Makanji Y, Harrison CA, Robertson DM. Feedback Regulation by Inhibins A and B of the Pituitary Secretion of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2011; 85:299-321. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385961-7.00014-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
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Nicholls PK, Harrison CA, Gilchrist RB, Farnworth PG, Stanton PG. Growth differentiation factor 9 is a germ cell regulator of Sertoli cell function. Endocrinology 2009; 150:2481-90. [PMID: 19106224 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-1048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte-secreted growth differentiation factor (GDF) 9 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 15 are critical regulatory factors in female reproduction. Together, they promote granulosa cell proliferation and stimulate the maturation of preovulatory follicles. Despite their importance in female fertility, GDF9 and BMP15 expression patterns and function during spermatogenesis have not been investigated. In this study we show that the expression and stage-specific localization of both factors are limited to the germ cells of the rat seminiferous epithelium, with GDF9 being principally localized in round spermatids and BMP15 in gonocytes and pachytene spermatocytes. To identify potential cellular targets for GDF9 actions, cells of the seminiferous tubule were isolated and screened for the expression of signaling receptors [activin-like kinase (ALK) 5, ALK6, and BMP receptor, type II)]. Individual receptor types were expressed throughout the seminiferous epithelium, but coexpression of ALK5 and BMP receptor, type II was limited to Sertoli cells and round spermatids. Based on the reproductive actions of related TGFbeta ligands in the ovary and testis, GDF9 was assessed for its ability to regulate tight junction function and inhibin B production in rat Sertoli cell cultures. When recombinant mouse GDF9 was added to immature Sertoli cell cultures, it inhibited membrane localization of the junctional proteins claudin-11, occludin, and zonula occludens-1, thereby disrupting tight junction integrity. Concomitantly, GDF9 up-regulated inhibin subunit expression and significantly stimulated dimeric inhibin B protein production. Together, these results demonstrate that GDF9 and BMP15 are germ cell-specific factors in the rat testis, and that GDF9 can modulate key Sertoli cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter K Nicholls
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, P.O. Box 5152, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia
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Kim Y, Kim JS, Song MS, Seo HS, Kim JC, Bae CS, Kim S, Shin T, Kim SH, Moon C. The expression and localization of inhibin isotypes in mouse testis during postnatal development. J Vet Sci 2009; 9:345-9. [PMID: 19043308 PMCID: PMC2811774 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2008.9.4.345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibin, which is important for normal gonadal function, acts on the pituitary gonadotropins to suppress follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion. The level and cellular localization of the inhibin isotypes, α, βA and βB, in the testis of mice were examined during postnatal development in order to determine if inhibin expression is related to testicular maturation. Mouse testes were sampled on postnatal days (PNDs) 1, 3, 6, 18, 48 and 120, and analyzed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Western blot analysis showed very low levels of inhibin α, βA and βB expression in the testes at days 1 to 6 after birth. The levels then increased gradually from PND 18 to 48-120, and there were significant peaks at PND 48. Inhibin α, βA and βB were detected in testicular cells during postnatal development using immunohistochemistry. The immunoreactivity of inhibin α was rarely observed in testicular cells during PND 1 to 6, or in the cytoplasmic process of Sertoli cells surrounding the germ cells and interstitial cells during PND 18 to 120. Inhibin βA and βB immunoreactivity was rarely observed in the testis from PND 1 to 6. On the other hand, it was observed in some spermatogonial cells, as well as in the interstitial space between PND 48 and PND 120. We conclude that the expression of inhibin isotypes increases progressively in the testis of mice with increasing postnatal age, suggesting that inhibin is associated with a negative feedback signal for FSH in testicular maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Kim
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, Korea
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O'Bryan MK, Hedger MP. Inflammatory networks in the control of spermatogenesis : chronic inflammation in an immunologically privileged tissue? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2009; 636:92-114. [PMID: 19856164 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-09597-4_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex, organized process involving intimate interactions between the developing germ cells and supporting Sertoli cells. The process is also highly regulated. Studies suggest that regulation in the seminiferous epithelium involves molecules normally associated with either immune or inflammatory processes; in particular, interleukin 1a (IL1a), IL6, tumor necrosis factor (TNFa), activin A and nitric oxide (NO). While there is considerable evidence that these inflammatory mediators have effects on spermatogonial and spermatocyte development as well as critical supportive functions of the Sertoli cells, which are undoubtedly of considerable importance during testicular inflammation, there remains some skepticism regarding the significance of these molecules with respect to normal testicular function. Nonetheless, it is evident that expression of these regulators varies across the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium in a consistent manner, with major changes in production coinciding with key events within the cycle. This review summarizes the evidence supporting the hypothesis that inflammatory cytokines play a role in normal testicular spermatogenesis, as well as in the etiology of inflammation induced sub-fertility. The balance of data leads to the striking conclusion that the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium resembles a chronic inflammatory event. This appears to be a somewhat paradoxical assertion, since the testis is an immunologically privileged tissue based on its well-established ability to support grafts with minimal rejection responses. However, it may be argued that local immunoregulatory mechanisms, which confer protection from immunity on both transplanted tissues and the developing spermatogenic cells, are equally necessary to prevent local inflammation responses associated with the spermatogenic process from activating the adaptive immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moira K O'Bryan
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, 3168, Australia.
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Barakat B, O'Connor AE, Gold E, de Kretser DM, Loveland KL. Inhibin, activin, follistatin and FSH serum levels and testicular production are highly modulated during the first spermatogenic wave in mice. Reproduction 2008; 136:345-59. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Testicular development is governed by the combined influence of hormones and proteins, including FSH, inhibins, activins and follistatin (FST). This study documents the expression of these proteins and their corresponding mRNAs, in testes and serum from mice aged 0 through 91 dayspost partum(dpp), using real-time PCR,in situhybridisation, immunohistochemistry, ELISA and RIA. Serum immunoactive total inhibin and FSH levels were negatively correlated during development, with FSH levels rising and inhibin levels falling. Activin A production changed significantly during development, with subunit mRNA and protein levels declining rapidly after 4 dpp, while simultaneously levels of the activin antagonists, FST and inhibin/activin βC, increased. Inhibin/activin βAand βBsubunit mRNAs were detected in Sertoli, germ and Leydig cells throughout testis development, with the βAsubunit also detected in peritubular myoid cells. The α, βA, βBand βCsubunit proteins were detected in Sertoli and Leydig cells of developing and adult mouse testes. While βAand βBsubunit proteins were observed in spermatogonia and spermatocytes in immature testes, βCwas localised to leptotene and zygotene spermatocytes in immature and adult testes. Nuclear βAsubunit protein was observed in primary spermatocytes and nuclear βCsubunit in gonocytes and round spermatids. The changing spatial and temporal distributions of inhibins and activins indicate that their modulated synthesis and action are important during onset of murine spermatogenesis. This study provides a foundation for evaluation of these proteins in mice with disturbed testicular development, enabling their role in normal and perturbed spermatogenesis to be more fully understood.
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O'Shaughnessy PJ, Hu L, Baker PJ. Effect of germ cell depletion on levels of specific mRNA transcripts in mouse Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. Reproduction 2008; 135:839-50. [PMID: 18390686 PMCID: PMC2592074 DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
It has been shown that testicular germ cell development is critically dependent upon somatic cell activity but, conversely, the extent to which germ cells normally regulate somatic cell function is less clear. This study was designed, therefore, to examine the effect of germ cell depletion on Sertoli cell and Leydig cell transcript levels. Mice were treated with busulphan to deplete the germ cell population and levels of mRNA transcripts encoding 26 Sertoli cell-specific proteins and 6 Leydig cell proteins were measured by real-time PCR up to 50 days after treatment. Spermatogonia were lost from the testis between 5 and 10 days after treatment, while spermatocytes were depleted after 10 days and spermatids after 20 days. By 30 days after treatment, most tubules were devoid of germ cells. Circulating FSH and intratesticular testosterone were not significantly affected by treatment. Of the 26 Sertoli cell markers tested, 13 showed no change in transcript levels after busulphan treatment, 2 showed decreased levels, 9 showed increased levels and 2 showed a biphasic response. In 60% of cases, changes in transcript levels occurred after the loss of the spermatids. Levels of mRNA transcripts encoding Leydig cell-specific products related to steroidogenesis were unaffected by treatment. Results indicate (1) that germ cells play a major and widespread role in the regulation of Sertoli cell activity, (2) most changes in transcript levels are associated with the loss of spermatids and (3) Leydig cell steroidogenesis is largely unaffected by germ cell ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J O'Shaughnessy
- Division of Cell Sciences, Institute of Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
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Chan YF, Tang F, O WS. Adrenomedullin in the rat testis. II: Its production, actions on inhibin secretion, regulation by follicle-stimulating hormone, and its interaction with endothelin 1 in the Sertoli cell. Biol Reprod 2007; 78:780-5. [PMID: 18094364 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.060863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study demonstrates the expression of adrenomedullin (ADM) in the rat Sertoli cells and its effect on inhibin production. The regulation of ADM by FSH and its interaction with endothelin 1 (EDN1) in the rat Sertoli cells have also been established. Primary culture of Sertoli cells secreted 414+/-27 pg immunoreactive ADM per 10(6) cells in 24 h and expressed Adm mRNA. In addition, the Sertoli cell was shown to co-express mRNAs encoding for the calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CALCRL) and receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) 1-3. These may account for the specific binding of ADM to the Sertoli cells. Administration of ADM to Sertoli cells resulted in an enhancement of basal and FSH-stimulated inhibin B production. On the other hand, the production of ADM and the mRNA levels of Calcrl and Ramp2 in the Sertoli cells were suppressed by FSH. The results suggest that ADM, via its control in the secretion of inhibin B, may play a role in regulating spermatogenesis as well as the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad feedback system. In addition, like in the Leydig cell, ADM and EDN1 were found to regulate the production of each other in opposite directions in the Sertoli cells, suggesting the presence of yet another local regulatory mechanism in the rat testis that may be important in modulating testicular functions regulated by gonadotropins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuen-Fan Chan
- Department of Anatomy, the Centre of Heart, Brain, Hormone, and Healthy Aging, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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de Kretser DM, Buzzard JJ, Okuma Y, O'Connor AE, Hayashi T, Lin SY, Morrison JR, Loveland KL, Hedger MP. The role of activin, follistatin and inhibin in testicular physiology. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2004; 225:57-64. [PMID: 15451568 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2004.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The role of the inhibins, activins and follistatins in testicular function are being more clearly defined following studies describing the cellular localisation of these proteins to the testis and the availability of specific assay systems enabling measurement of these proteins. Taken together with the results of targetted gene inactivation experiments, several concepts emerge. Inhibin B is predominantly produced by the Sertoli cell in many adult male mammals whereas there is a perinatal peak of inhibin A in the rat. In contrast, activin A has its highest concentrations in the immediate post-natal period during which it is involved in the developmental regulation of both germ cells and Sertoli cells being modulated by follistatin. Activin A levels are considerably lower in the adult testis but Sertoli cell production is stimulated by interleukin-1 and inhibited by FSH. Little is known about the production of activin B due to the absence of a suitable assay but the beta(B) subunit mRNA is expressed in germ cells and Sertoli cells and is stage-dependent. This pattern of expression suggest that it may be involved in autocrine or paracrine actions within the seminiferous epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M de Kretser
- Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Vic. 3168, Australia.
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Buzzard JJ, Loveland KL, O'Bryan MK, O'Connor AE, Bakker M, Hayashi T, Wreford NG, Morrison JR, de Kretser DM. Changes in circulating and testicular levels of inhibin A and B and activin A during postnatal development in the rat. Endocrinology 2004; 145:3532-41. [PMID: 15070852 DOI: 10.1210/en.2003-1036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study describes the testicular levels of inhibin/activin subunits by Northern analysis and in situ hybridization and serum and testicular levels of inhibins A and B and activin A by enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) during postnatal development in the rat. We show that serum inhibin A levels are less than 4 pg/ml throughout postnatal life. Serum inhibin B levels peak at 572 +/- 119 pg/ml (mean +/- se) at d 40 post partum (pp) before falling to 182 +/- 35 pg/ml in mature males. Serum activin A decreases from 294 +/- 29 pg/ml at d 6 to 132 +/- 27 pg/ml at maturity. Within the testis, inhibin A levels fall from 0.330 +/- 0.108 ng/g at d 15 to less than 0.004 ng/g at maturity. Inhibin B levels peak at 43.9 +/- 4.2 ng/g at d 6 before falling to 1.6 +/- 0.13 ng/g at maturity. Testicular activin A levels fall from 18.6 +/- 2.2 ng/g at d 6 to 0.094 +/- 0.013 ng/g at maturity. Northern profiles of testicular inhibin/activin subunits correlate with immunoreactive levels demonstrated by ELISA. In situ hybridization suggests that beta(A) and beta(B) subunit expression is largely restricted to the seminiferous tubule, particularly Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and primary spermatocytes. These data support the view that inhibin B is the major inhibin in the male rat and that levels relate to Sertoli cell number and activity. Furthermore, the demonstration of high local concentrations of activin A during the period of Sertoli cell proliferation and the onset of spermatogenesis support its proposed role because a modulator of testicular development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy J Buzzard
- Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, Monash University, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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