Effects of neurotransmitters and follicle stimulating hormone on the aromatization of androgens and the production of adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate by cultured testicular cells

Abstract

Testicular tissue has been separated in an interstitial cell fraction, a fraction containing peritubular cells and a Sertoli cell-enriched fraction. Cells were maintained in culture. The aromatization of testosterone, the accumulation of cAMP in the medium and the production of testosterone have been measured after stimulation with dbc AMP, FSH and neurotransmitters. Conclusions can be summarized as follows: 1. Cultured Sertoli cells aromatize androgens. Aromatization is stimulated by dbc AMP, FSH or biogenic amines. 2. The most active amines are l-isoprotcrenol and l-norepinephrine. Their effects can be inhibited by the β-adrenergic antagonist propranolol. 3 When cells are incubated with increasing concentrations of l-isoproterenol, the stimulation of aromatase activity is accompanied by a parallel increase in the accumulation of cAMP. When stimulated with FSH, however, aromatase activity is maximal at an FSH concentration at which cAMP just starts to increase. 4. The ability to respond with aromatization increases during the first week of culture. This change in sensitivity is situated both at and beyond the level of the adenylate cyclase. 5. A dose-dependent desensitization of the adenylate cyclase of Sertoli cells occurs after previous stimulation with FSH or l-isoproterenol.