Sertoli Cells
Named after Enrico Sertoli, an Italian physiologist, Sertoli cells are a specialized cell type found in the testicles. Specifically, they are located in the seminiferous tubules of the testes and they facilitate the production of new sperm, or, spermatogenesis.
Sertoli cells have many functions. One function is secreting a number of substances that maintain and stimulate spermatogenesis. Among these substances is androgen binding protein which increases testosterone concentration in the seminiferous tubules, and stimulates spermatogenesis. A number of other hormones and compounds are also produced, all of which are involved in nourishing sperm cells through to later stages of spermatogenesis.
Sertoli cells are also responsible for formation of the blood-testis barrier, which partitions blood flow from the seminiferous tubules. This physical barrier is not a strict barrier, but rather is formed by the very tight junctions between individual Sertoli cells.
Other functions of Sertoli cells include DNA repair, phagocytosis, and the modulation of immune response. All of these functions are involved in the differentiation of spermatogonia into mature sperm.
Sertoli cells are also required for male sexual development, and in puberty, once spermatogenesis has begun, Sertoli cells are unable to proliferate. This means from that point on, no more Sertoli cells are created, and any damage to existing Sertoli cell populations can be permanent.
Sertoli cells have many functions. One function is secreting a number of substances that maintain and stimulate spermatogenesis. Among these substances is androgen binding protein which increases testosterone concentration in the seminiferous tubules, and stimulates spermatogenesis. A number of other hormones and compounds are also produced, all of which are involved in nourishing sperm cells through to later stages of spermatogenesis.
Sertoli cells are also responsible for formation of the blood-testis barrier, which partitions blood flow from the seminiferous tubules. This physical barrier is not a strict barrier, but rather is formed by the very tight junctions between individual Sertoli cells.
Other functions of Sertoli cells include DNA repair, phagocytosis, and the modulation of immune response. All of these functions are involved in the differentiation of spermatogonia into mature sperm.
Sertoli cells are also required for male sexual development, and in puberty, once spermatogenesis has begun, Sertoli cells are unable to proliferate. This means from that point on, no more Sertoli cells are created, and any damage to existing Sertoli cell populations can be permanent.
Nuts & Bolts: Sertoli Cells
To learn more, please visit our series of posts about male reproduction and contraception:
Looking for Something?
Welcome to your comprehensive resource on the future of male contraception! We have packed this site with vital information, and to help you find exactly what you need, we've created a detailed guide. Please use the Table of Contents on our homepage to easily navigate to the research, news, or resources that interest you most. This will ensure you can explore all of our important content with ease. You can access the Table of Contents by clicking on the button below: