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Sertoli cell

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Sertoli cell

(sər-tō′lē, sĕr-)
n.
Any of the elongated, striated cells of the seminiferous tubules of the testis, to which spermatids attach for nourishment during spermatogenesis.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Sertoli cell

An elongated cell in the seminiferous tubules of the testis which secretes sex hormone-binding globulin and provides a micro-environment for developing sperm.

Sertoli cells secretions
• Anti-Müllerian hormone—Early foetal life.
• Inhibin and activins—Post-pubertal; regulate FSH secretion.
• Androgen binding protein—Concentrates testosterone in the seminiferous tubules, stimulating spermiogenesis.
• Oestradiol aromatase—Converts testosterone to 17 beta oestradiol for spermatogenesis.
• Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor—Drives spermatogonial stem cell renewal during perinatal period.
• ERM transcription factor—Maintains spermatogonial stem cell in the adult testis.
• Transferrin—Iron ion delivery.
Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
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References in periodicals archive
The main characteristic of this stage was the presence of spermatids with elongating nuclei, leading to nuclei of Sertoli cells. Type A spermatogonia with a similar morphology to those found in the previous stage were also observed at this stage.
Caption: Figure 2: Sections from the tumor show networks of anastomosing slit-like to cystic spaces lined by cuboidal Sertoli cells, resembling the rete testis.
Riccioli, P De Cesaris et al., "Activation of inositol phospholipid turnover and calcium signaling in rat Sertoli cells by [P.sub.2]-purinergic receptors: modulation of follicle-stimulating hormone responses," Endocrinology, vol.
"The idea is if you could make Sertoli cells from a skin cell, they'd be accessible for supporting the spermatogenesis process when conducting in vitro fertilization assay or protecting other cell types such as neurons when co-transplanted in vivo," said Whitehead Institute Founding Member Rudolf Jaenisch.
Evidence that androgens and oestrogens, as well as follicle-stimulating hormone, can alter Sertoli cell number in the neonatal rat.
The research identified that it is the amount of SMAD3 present that controls Sertoli cell activity prior to, or after, puberty.
A decrease in the sertoli cell count and absence of the primary stages of the Spermatogenesis were noted.
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