Germ cell-Sertoli cell interactions

Abstract

The interactions between the Sertoli cells and germ cells are progressively becoming an important part of testicular physiology. This paper explores the cytological basis for these interactions, detailing the cyclic changes in the Sertoli cells in concert with the stages of the seminiferous cycle and the nature of the blood-testis barrier. These cytological changes are correlated with a number of variations in the function of Sertoli cells. The mechanisms by which germ cells and Sertoli cells interact are explored and can be divided into those using cell-to-cell contact and others utilizing paracrine factors.