Steroidogenesis by Granulosa and Sertoli Cells

Abstract

Granulosa and Sertoli cells have been isolated from the gonads of immature rats, and have been maintained in monolayer cultures in a chemically‐defined medium. The hormonal requirements of these cell types for the synthesis of steroids have been studied: Granulosa cells contain cholesterol side‐chain cleavage activity and synthesise progesterone when cultured in the presence of FSH and testosterone (or DHT). Sertoli cells on the other hand cannot synthesise steroids de novo. Granulosa and Sertoli cells are similar in that they are unable to convert significant amounts of progesterone to androgens. In the presence of exogenous testosterone as substrate, granulosa cells and immature Sertoli cells can synthesise estradiol and estrone when stimulated with FSH. In summary, FSH stimulates estrogen synthesis from testosterone in both cell types, and acts synergistically with testosterone (or DHT) to stimulate progesterone synthesis in granulosa cells. FSH is therefore involved in controlling the steroid environment within the gonads.