Removal of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) from in vitro culture modulates testosterone synthesis in bovine

Abstract

Niche cells, encompassing spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and controlling their development are believed to have a reciprocal communication with SSCs. The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of the elimination of SSCs on testosterone production and genes contributing to testosterone synthesis. Following isolation, bovine testicular cells were cultured for 12 days on extracellular matrix-coated plates. In the germ cell-removed group, the SSCs were removed from the in vitro culture using differential plating; however, in the control group, no intervention in the culture was performed. Testosterone concentration and the gene expression of luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor (LHR), CYP17A1, and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), were assessed on days 6 and 12. The concentration of testosterone was lower in the germ cell-removed than control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, quantitative real-time PCR revealed lower gene expression of LHR, CYP17A1, and StAR in the germ cell-removed group as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the present study showed that elimination of SSCs from in vitro culture could diminish testosterone production via downregulation of factors contributing to testosterone synthesis. Additionally, this study provided evidence for the reciprocal relationship between SSCs and their niche cells.