Week 1 Objectives 7: relate Sertoli cells to spermatogenesis and the blood testis barrier

Question 1

Sertoli cells “other” name

Answer 1

sustentacular cells

Question 2

Sertoli functions

Answer 2

Support and maintenance
Secretes estrogen, inhibin, anti-Mullerin factor
Phagocytize residual bodies from spermatozoa
Forms blood-testis barrier
mantains and coordinates spermatogenesis

Question 3

Blood testis barrier

Answer 3

Sertoli form immunological barrier between developing sperm cells and body, and spermatogonia

Question 4

how does the blood testis barrier work

Answer 4

Surface adhesion complexes bind apical surfaces of Sertoli cells to late spermatids

Complexes deteriorate, releasing spermatids into lumen

Laminin from disintegrated adhesion complexes + cytokines + proteinases = break down tight-junctional proteins of the blood-testis barrier, permits developing spermatocytes to move closer to lumen

Testosterone stimulates formation of new blood testis barrier closer to basal lamina