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- Title
Oestradiol regulates the expression of stem cell factor in human Sertoli cells.
- Authors
Tu, J.; Tao, K.; Fan, L.; Lu, G.
- Abstract
Introduction: Stem cell factor (SCF) has been shown to play essential roles in the proliferation, differentiation and survival of male germ cells. Sertoli cells in the testis niches produce SCF in a paracrine manner during whole gametogenesis. However, the age-dependent expression of SCF in human testis is not well defined. The object of this study was to investigate the differential expression of SCF in Sertoli cells and the potential influencing factor involved in this procedure. Materials/Methods: Human fetal testes were obtained as a result of therapeutic termination of pregnancy using a protocol approved by the ethics committee at Central South University of China. The puberty testis specimens were obtained from the donors, who gave their written informed consent according to the national guidelines (Medical Research Council, 2001). The Sertoli cells were collected using two-step enzymatic digestion and low-speed centrifugal to remove interstitial cells, followed by rapid attachment on the tissue culture plate for 30 min. The gathering cells were characterized by the immunostaining of anti-Müllerian-hormone (AMH). Endogenous SCF in different aged Sertoli cells was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR. Subsequently, 0-1000 ng/ml oestradiol was added to the culture medium for 30 min to 24 h to test its effect on the regulation of mRNA level of SCF. Results: SCF expression in Sertoli cells shows gradual agedependent declination in embryo stage. The 12-16-week group demonstrated a higher level of SCF than the 20-24-week group. Moreover, SCF was virtually absent in the 28-32-week group. However, SCF was re-expressed in puberty Sertoli cells by PCR detection. In this study, addition of exogenous oestradiol could enhance the expression of SCF in all immature Sertoli cells and showed a dose- and time-dependent effect in vitro. Nevertheless, no significant change was found in the puberty Sertoli cells. Conclusions: These studies show that oestradiol is a potential regulator that maintains the SCF level in Sertoli cells, suggesting that oestradiol may have an indirect role in regulating male gametogenesis. These findings reveal a novel mechanism that mediates SCF signalling in the testis niches, which favours further research in gametogenesis.
- Subjects
STEM cells; GAMETOGENESIS
- Publication
Reproductive BioMedicine Online (Reproductive Healthcare Limited), 2008, Vol 16, Issue S2, pS-41
- ISSN
1472-6483
- Publication type
Abstract
- DOI
10.1016/S1472-6483(10)61569-6