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Journal of Andrology, Vol 15, Issue 5 398-409, Copyright © 1994 by The American Society of Andrology

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Growth factors (EGF, IGF-I) modulate the morphological differentiation of adult marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) Sertoli cells in vitro

D. Pretzer, J. A. Ghaida and G. M. Rune
Department of Anatomy, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universitat-Greifswald, Germany.

The effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) on mature marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) Sertoli cells in vitro were investigated using light and electron microscopic and histochemical means. The morphological data were substantiated by morphometric analysis at the electron microscopic level. In a bicameral chamber system, cultured Sertoli cells displayed a high degree of ultrastructural differentiation and exhibited a polarized appearance. Basally located tight junctions joined adjacent cells. Germ cells of early stages of development were regularly seen. Under the influence of IGF-I, cells developed extensive cell-cell contacts. The surface density of smooth endoplasmic reticulum was increased. In contrast, the volume density of lipid inclusions was decreased. The morphological integrity of enclosed germ cells was maintained for a longer period. With EGF, cells were arranged in loose aggregates. Intercellular spaces were widened. The volume density of lipid inclusions was increased. Germ cells exhibited profound signs of degeneration early in culture, paralleled by increased development of phagolysosomes and high acid-beta-galactosidase activity. Under the influence of either growth factor, mitochondria displayed a shift from the crista to the tubulo-vesicular type. Mitochondrial dimensions and the volume density of mitochondrial compartment were increased. In comparison with control cultures all documented changes were statistically significant. Our findings indicate that marmoset Sertoli cells are target cells for EGF and IGF-I. Moreover, the dynamics of intercellular contacts, germ cell survival, and morphological indices of lipid and/or steroid metabolism seem to be differentially modulated.




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Copyright © 1994 by The American Society of Andrology.