Interactions between Sertoli cells and germ cells in the testis

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1994

Abstract

The production of mature spermatozoa requires a complex interaction between Sertoli cells and germ cells. Sertoli cells regulate aspects of germ cell division and differentiation while germ cells provide signals that modulate Sertoli cell functions. Germ cells can undergo some differentiation independent of Sertoli cells but at certain crucial points the interaction with Sertoli cells is required. There are several means by which this interaction may occur: (1) direct contact of components of the plasma membrane may act as a signal; (2) secondary messengers could be exchanged via gap junctions; (3) the secretion of paracrine factors may facilitate intercellular communication. © 1994 Academic Press. All rights reserved.

Publication Title

Seminars in Developmental Biology

Volume

5

Issue

1

First Page

61

Last Page

66

Comments

This article was published in Seminars in Developmental Biology, Volume 5, Issue 1, Pages 61-66.

The published version is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1006/sedb.1994.1008.

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