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Sertoli cells
Also known as: Sertoli cell
Facts (14)
Sources
Physiology, Male Reproductive System - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf ncbi.nlm.nih.gov 14 facts
claimInhibin serves as a negative feedback control exerted by Sertoli cells on the hypothalamic-pituitary system to decrease FSH release.
claimFSH stimulates Sertoli cells to promote sperm production and release inhibin B and MIS (Müllerian inhibiting substance).
claimSertoli cells are located in the periphery of the seminiferous tubules and promote spermatogenesis.
referenceDimitriadis F, Tsiampali C, Chaliasos N, Tsounapi P, Takenaka A, and Sofikitis N describe the Sertoli cell as the orchestra conductor of spermatogenesis, noting that spermatogenic cells respond to testosterone.
claimFSH and LH exert their physiological effects by binding to and activating a G protein receptor, which activates adenylyl cyclase and increases cellular cAMP levels to stimulate Sertoli and Leydig cells.
claimSertoli cells in the human male reproductive system bind together to form a blood-testis barrier, which keeps germ cells contained within the seminiferous tubules.
claimSertoli cells are larger than germ cells and possess less prominent nuclei, while germ cells, which line the interior of the seminiferous tubules, feature prominent, dark, and dense nuclei.
claimSertoli cells, when stimulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), help regulate the process of spermatogenesis.
claimThe anterior pituitary secretes LH and FSH into the blood, which act on membrane receptors in the Leydig and Sertoli cells of the testes, respectively.
claimLoss of testicular function results in damaged or underdeveloped Leydig or Sertoli cells that cannot respond to stimuli to maintain reproductive function.
claimSertoli cells in the testes produce Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) to induce the regression of the Mullerian ducts, which are the structures that form the female reproductive tract.
claimFSH and testosterone stimulate Sertoli cells, located in the periphery of the seminiferous tubules of the testes, to release androgen-binding protein (ABP), which provides testosterone to germ cells during spermatogenesis.
claimIn cases of secondary hypogonadism, Leydig and Sertoli cells remain functional and intact but cannot exert their effects due to a lack of proper stimuli (GnRH, LH, or FSH), resulting in low testosterone levels or loss of spermatogenesis.
claimSertoli cells in the testes produce the hormones inhibin B and Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS).