Sertoli cell

The Sertoli cells are special cells incapable of division of the testicular tissue, which shield the seminiferous tubules compared to the blood vessels. They owe their name to their discoverer, the Italian physiologist Enrico Sertoli ( 1842-1910 ).

Morphology

Sertoli cells are large cells with a lobed nucleus which contains a clearly visible nucleolus. In the cytoplasm, there are plenty of rough endoplasmic reticulum, lipid droplets, elongated mitochondria and Charcot- Bottcher crystals. Numerous lysosomes are signs for the uptake and degradation of Zytoplasmaanteilen that arise in the maturation of spermatids.

Function

Sertoli cells serve as supporting cells of the seminiferous tubules and form the so -called blood - testis barrier that protects the developing sperm from the body's immune system from toxins. In addition, the Sertoli cells also produce two essential for the hormonal environment of the forming sperm proteins. It is the androgenbindende globulin ( ABG ), which allows the passage of testosterone to the germ cells, as well as inhibin, which via the pituitary gland, and follicle stimulating hormone formed there (FSH) regulates spermatogenesis or negative effect on the Sertoli cells feeds back.

In embryonic development, the anti - Müllerian hormone (AMH ) is produced in the Sertoli cells, which is responsible for the regression of the mullerian ducts.