Heat exposure promotes apoptosis and pyroptosis in Sertoli cells

Heat stress is an important influence on the male reproductive organs.Therefore,the effects of heat stress on genes or pathways related to the reproductive system of male mice were experimentally explored in this paper to further determine the effects of heat stimulation on mammals.Herein,models of heat-exposed mouse testicular tissue and heatexcited cells were successfully established.Many scorched vesicles were found after heat excitation of testis supporting cells,testicular mesenchymal(TM4)cells.Western blot,in situ terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP Nick end labeling(TUNEL)and transmission electron microscopy showed that membrane rupture,mitochondrial damage and autophagic vesicles occurred in TM4 cells after thermal excitation.The N-segment fragment of the associated protein shear was increased,and the TUNEL result was positive.In conclusion,thermal excitation induced apoptosis and scorch death in TM4 cells.Thus,the Hippo pathway and apoptosis-related pathway were significantly enriched after heat stimulation in mouse testis,and the scorch death effect in TM4 cells was induced by heat excitation.

The effects of hormone-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling on spermatogenesis in Sertoli cells

The phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway is crucial for Sertoli cell development and completing spermatogenesis.Its main role is to promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis.Many factors activate the PI3K/AKT pathway,like hormones,such as follicle stimulating hormone(FSH),androgen,estrogen,insulin to name a few.Many of these factors have receptors inside or on the surface of Sertoli cells(SCs).This review summarizes how these hormones directly regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in SCs,which in turn affects SC proliferation and differentiation.Further,hormone-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling also stimulates SC secretion,which is essential for germ cell development,suggesting an indirect role of PI3K/AKT signaling during spermatogenesis.These functions include promoting spermatogonia proliferation and differentiation,meiosis of spermatocytes,sperm maturation,and their release.This review also provides potential hints for clinically treating male infertility issues like cryptorchidism and Sertoli cell-only syndrome.

Immortalized Sertoli cell lines sk11 and sk9 and binding of spermatids in vitro

Aim： To determine the effectiveness of the ski 1, sk9 and ski 1 TNUA5 Sertoli cell lines in binding germ cells in vitro. Methods： The immortalized Sertoli cell lines sk9, ski 1 and ski 1 TNUA5 were used in co-culture experiments with germ cells in media with or without reproductive hormones and incubated for 44 h at 32℃. The number of germ cells bound to Sertoli cells was then determined and statistically analyzed. Western blot analysis and reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） studies were employed to investigate the presence of cell adhesion proteins and follicle stimulating hormone （FSH） receptor, respectively. Results： No statistical difference between the number of bound step-8 spermatids and bound pre-step 8 spermatids on Sertoli cells from any of the cell lines existed. After the addition of germ cells, Sertoli ceils showed more lipid accumulation in their cytoplasm, indicating active phagocytosis. Western blot analysis in the ski I TNUA5 line indicated the expression of N-cadherin. FSH-only and testosterone-only treatments increased N-cadherin expression, regardless of germ cell addition. The addition of germ cells to the ski l TNUA5 Sertoli cells increased the expression of espin, as did the addition of FSH with germ cells. RT-PCR studies of the ski I TNUA5 cells indicated that the mRNA for FSH receptor decreased with successive passages. Conclusion： In vitro binding between isolated germ cells and sk9, skll or skll TNUA5 Sertoli cells is not feasible, and therefore these cell lines are not useful for the in vitro investigation of Sertoli-germ cell interactions and primary Sertoli cell isolates must still be used.

Effect of 43℃ treatment on expression of heat shock proteins 105, 70 and 60 in cultured monkey Sertoli cells

Aim： To examine the possible effect of heat treatment on expression of heat shock proteins （Hsps） 105, 70, and 60 in primary monkey Sertoli cells and to evaluate the possible signal pathways. Methods： Western blot analysis, realtime polymerase chain reaction （PCR）, and confocal immunohistochemistry were used to analyze mRNA and protein levels of the Hsps in response to 43~C treatment of Sertoli cells isolated from pubertal monkey testes. Results： Staining with Hoechst 33342 indicated Sertoli cells did not undergo apoptosis after heat treatment. Hspl05 was expressed in cytoplasm of untreated Sertoli cells. Both Hspl05 mRNA and protein levels were increased approximately 20-fold compared to those of the untreated controls at 12 h after heat treatment. Untreated Sertoli cells did not express Hsp70, but heat stress induced its expression in the cell cytoplasm. The time-course of changes in Hsp70 was similar to that of Hsp105. In contrast to Hsp105 and Hsp70, the change in Hsp60 expression was much less obvious. The protein level between 12 h and 48 h after heat treatment was only approximately 1.5-fold that of the untreated control. Extracellular regulated kinase （ERK） 1/2 inhibitor （U0126） or phosphoinositide kinase-3 （PI3K） inhibitor （LY294002） could partially block the response of Hspl05 and Hsp70 induced by heat treatment. Conclusion： These results indicate that the heat-induced expression of the three types of Hsp in monkey Sertoli cells might be regulated by ERK and/or PI3K signal pathways, but the profile of their expression is different, suggesting that they might have different regulatory functions in Sertoli cells.

17β-Estradiol Regulates Cultured Immature Boar Sertoli Cell Proliferation via the cAMP-ERK1/2 Pathway and the Estrogen Receptor β

Estrogen plays an important role in regulating Sertoli cell number in the testis. The objective of the study was to identify whether 17β-estradiol affected the proliferation of cultured, immature boar Sertoli cells via the estrogen receptor β （ERβ） and the cAMP-extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK1/2） pathway. Low levels （10-10-10-8 mol L-1） of 17β-estradiol increased cell number, but high levels （10-7-10-6 mol L-1） decreased it （P〈0.05）. Sertoli cell number began to recover for an additional 24 h in the medium without 17β-estradiol （10-6 mol L-l） （P〉0.05）. The effects of 17β-estradiol （10-9 mol L-1） peaked at the first 24 h （P〈0.05）. 17β-estradiol activated ERK1/2 from 5 min to 24 h, but the activiy of ERK1/2 began to decrease after 4 h. Both PD98059 and U0126, two ERK inhibitors, blocked cell division （P〈0.05）. 17β-estradiol （10-10-10-6 mol L-1） dose-dependently increased cAMP production （P 〈 0.05）, and both 17β-estradiol （10-9 mol L-1） and forskolin, which increases cAMP levels, induced cell proliferation and activated ERK1/2 （P〈 0.05）. Rp-cAMP, an antagonist of cAMP, blocked this 17β-estradiol activity （P〈 0.05）. Two estrogen receptor antagonists, ICI 182780 and ERβ antagonist （ERβAnt）, reduced Sertoli cell number, cAMP production and ERK1/2 activation （P〈 0.05）, but ERaAnt did not （P〉 0.05）. Therefore, 17β- estradiol mainly promotes pig Sertoli cell proliferation via ERβ to induce cAMP production and ERK activation to promote cell proliferation.

dentification of testosterone-/androgen receptor-regulated genes in mouse Sertoli cells

Androgen and androgen receptor （AR） play important roles in male spermatogenesis and fertility, yet detailed androgen/AR signals in Sertoli cells remain unclear. To identify AR target genes in Sertoli cells, we analyzed the gene expression profiles of testis between mice lacking AR in Sertoli cells （S-AR-/y） and their littermate wild-type （WT） mice. Digital gene expression analysis identified 2276 genes downregulated and 2865 genes upregulated in the S-AR-/y mice testis compared to WT ones. To further nail down the difference within Sertoli cells, we first constructed Sertoli cell line TM4 with stably transfected AR （named as TM4/AR） and found androgens failed to transactivate AR in Sertoli TM4 and TM4/AR cells. Interestingly, additional transient transfection of AR-cDNA resulted in significant androgen responsiveness with TM4/AR cells showing 10 times more androgen sensitivity than TM4 cells. In the condition where maximal androgen response was demonstrated, we then analyzed gene expression and found the expression levels of 2313 genes were changed more than twofold by transient transfection of AR-cDNA in the presence of testosterone. Among these genes, 603 androgen-/ AR-regulated genes, including 164 upregulated and 439 downregulated, were found in both S-AR-/y mice testis and TM4/AR cells. Using informatics analysis, the gene ontology was applied to analyze these androgen-/AR-regulated genes to predict the potential roles of androgen/AR in the process of spermatogenesis. Together, using gene analysis in both S-AR-/y mice testis and TM4/AR cells may help us to better understand the androeen/AR signals in Sertoli cells and their influences in spermatogenesis.

Activation of extracellular signal-related kinases 1 and 2 in Sertoli cells in experimentally cryptorchid rhesus monkeys

Aim： To assess the spatiotemporal changes in the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 （ERK1/ 2）, c-Jun N-terminal kinases （JNK） and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases （MAPK） in response to heat stress in the cryptorchid testis, and to investigate a possible relation to Sertoli cell dedifferentiation. Methods： Immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to examine the expression and activation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK in the cryptorchid testis at various stages after experimental cryptorchidism. Results： The abdominal temperature did not obviously change the total ERK1/2 expression but significantly activated phospho-ERK1/2 in the Sertoli cells of the cryptorchid testis. Heat stress increased total JNK expression in the Sertoli cells of the cryptorchid testis but did not activate phospho-JNK. Neither total p38 nor phospho-p38 was induced by heat stress in the Sertoli cells of the cryptorchid testis. Changes in the spatiotemporal expression of cytokeratin 18 （CK18）, a marker of immature or undifferentiated Sertoli cells, were induced in the cryptorchid testis in a pattern similar to the activation of ERK1/2. Condusion： The activation of ERK1/2 in the testis may be related to dedifferentiation of Sertoli cells under heat stress induced by experimental cryptorchidism.

Establishment and characterization of a testicular Sertoli cell line from olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

The culture of Sertoli cells has become an indispensable resource in studying spermatogenesis.A new Sertoli cell line(POSC) that consisted predominantly of fibroblast-like cells was derived from the testis of the olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and sub-cultured for 48 passages.Analysis of the mtDNA COI gene partial sequence confirmed that the cell line was from P.olivaceus.Cells were optimally maintained at 25℃ in DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum,basic fibroblast growth factor,and epidermal growth factor.The growth curve of POSC showed a typical "S" shape.Chromosome analysis revealed that the cell line possessed the normal P.olivaceus diploid karyotype of 2n=48t.POSC expressed dmrt1 but not vasa,which was detected using RT-PCR and sequencing.Immunocytochemistry revealed that the cells exhibited the testicular Sertoli cell marker FasL.Therefore,POSC appeared to consist of testicular Sertoli cells.Bright fluorescent signals were observed after the cells were transfected with pEGFP-N3 plasmid,with the transfection efficiency reaching 10%.This research not only offers an ideal model for further gene expression and regulation studies on P.olivaceus,but also serves as valuable material in studying fish spermatogenesis,Sertoli cell-germ cell interactions,and the mechanism of growth and development of testis.

Upregulation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and calgizzarin by androgen in TM4 mouse Sertoli cells

Aim： To identify proteins induced by androgen in Sertoli cells during spermatogenesis. Methods： We analyzed protein profiles in TM4 Sertoli cells treated with dihydrotestosterone （DHT） using surface enhanced laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry （SELDI-TOF-MS）. Results： We found increases in the expression of a 5.0-kDa protein at 15 min, an 11.3-kDa protein at 24 h and 4.3 kDa, 5.7 kDa, 5.8 kDa, 9.95 kDa and 9.98 kDa proteins at 48 h after the treatment. In contrast, the expression of 6.3 kDa and 8.6 kDa proteins decreased at 30 min, and 4.9 kDa, 5.0 kDa, 12.4 kDa and 19.8 kDa proteins at 48 h after the treatment. The ll.3-kDa protein was identified as macrophage migration inhibitory factor （MIF） known to having various functions. The 9.98-kDa protein was identified as calgizzarin related to calcium channels. The timing of their expression suggests that MIF and calgizzarin are involved in late regulation of spermatogenesis in Sertoli cells by androgen. Conclusion： MIF and calgizzarin are two important androgen-responsive proteins produced by Sertoli cells and they might play a role in regulating spermatogenesis.

Sertoli cell and spermatogonial development in pigs

Background:Spermatogenesis is an intricate developmental process during which undifferentiated spermatogonia,containing spermatogonial stem cells(SSCs),undergo self-renewal and differentiation to generate eventually mature spermatozoa.Spermatogenesis occurs in seminiferous tubules within the testis,and the seminiferous tubules harbor Sertoli and germ cells.Sertoli cells are an essential somatic cell type within the microenvironment that support and steer male germ cell development,whereas spermatogonia are the primitive male germ cells at the onset of spermatogenesis.While the developmental progression of Sertoli cells and spermatogonia has been well established in mice,much less is known in other mammalian species including pigs.Results:To acquire knowledge of Sertoli cell and spermatogonial development in pigs,here we collected as many as nine ages of Duroc porcine testes from the neonate to sexual maturity,i.e.,testes from 7-,30-,50-,70-,90-,110-,130-,150-and 210-day-old boars,and performed histological and immunohistochemical analyses on testis sections.We first examined the development of spermatogenic cells and seminiferous tubules in porcine testes.Then,by immunofluorescence staining for marker proteins(AMH,SOX9,DBA,UCHL1,VASA,KIT,Ki67 and/or PCNA),we delved into the proliferative activity and development of Sertoli cells and of spermatogonial subtypes(pro-,undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia).Besides,by immunostaining forβ-catenin and ZO-1,we studied the establishment of the blood-testis barrier in porcine testes.Conclusions:In this longitudinal study,we have systematically investigated the elaborate Sertoli cell and spermatogonial developmental patterns in pigs from the neonate to sexual maturity that have so far remained largely unknown.The findings not only extend the knowledge about spermatogenesis and testicular development in pigs,but also lay the theoretical groundwork for porcine breeding and rearing.

CDC25B Involved in Proliferation of Sertoli Cells of New Born Calves Through FSH and Possibly Being Key Regulating Factor

The effects of FSH on the proliferation of sertoli cells of new born calves were studied in order to provide some data for theoretical research and practical use of spermatogenesis in vitro. Different concentrations of FSH （0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.08 IU· mL^-1） were taken to treat bovine sertoli cells in vitro culture, the number of sertoli cells and the expression of seven genes were determined at 6, 12 and 24 h after FSH treatments. FSH could significantly promote the proliferation of in vitro cultured sertoli cells. FSH had no significant effects on the expression of CDC25A and could significantly improve the expression of CDC25B. 0.04 IU· mL^-1 and 0.08 IU· mL^-1 FSH treatments decreased the expression of CDC25C at 12 h. 0.08 IU· mL^-1 FSH treatment decreased the expression of CDC25C at 24 h. 0.04 IU. mLI FSH could significantly decrease the expression of GSK-3β and improve the expression of β-catenin at 6, 12 and 24 h. 0.02, 0.04 and 0.08 IU· mL^-1 FSH treatments enhanced the expressions of CYCLIND1 and C-MYC. In conclusion, FSH promoted the proliferation of sertoli cells and 0.04 IU· mL^-1 FSH concentration could significantly promote the proliferation of in vitro cultured sertoli cells. FSH promoted the proliferation of sertoli cells by CDC25B and WNT/ β-eatenin and CDC25B might be the key regulator to the proliferating rate of sertoli cells of bovine calf.

Profiling of miRNAs in porcine Sertoli cells

Background: Sertoli cells(SCs) create a specialized environment to support and dictate spermatogenesis.MicroRNAs(miRNAs), a kind of ~ 22 nt small noncoding RNAs, have been reported to be highly abundant in mouse SCs and play critical roles in spermatogenesis. However, the miRNAs of porcine SCs remain largely unknown.Methods: We isolated porcine SCs and conducted small RNA sequencing. By comparing miRNAs in germ cells, we systematically analyzed the miRNA expression pattern of porcine SCs. We screened the highly enriched SC miRNAs and predicted their functions by Gene Ontology analysis. The dual luciferase assay was used to elucidate the regulation of tumor necrosis factor receptor(TNFR)-associated factor 3(TRAF3) by ssc-miR-149.Results: The analysis showed that 18 miRNAs were highly expressed in SCs and 15 miRNAs were highly expressed in germ cells. These miRNAs were predicted to mediate SC and germ cell functions. In addition, ssc-miR-149 played critical roles in SCs by targeting TRAF3.Conclusion: Our findings provide novel insights into the miRNA expression pattern and their regulatory roles of porcine SCs.

Effects of Ureaplasma Urealyticum on Fas Ligand Expression in Rat Sertoli Cell

To investigate the effect of ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) on the expression of Fas ligand (FasL) on rat Sertoli cell Materials & Method Isolated rat Sertoli cells were infected by living UU, UU super- natants, inactivated UU, then Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter and observed fluores- cence microscopy were used to assay for the FasL expression on the surface of Sertoli cells. Results UU infection could increase the expression of FasL in Sertoli cell. Conclusion The functional expression of FasL is related to the immune privilege and can give the immune regulation on the testis.

Disruption of ectoplasmic specializations between Sertoli cells and maturing spermatids by anti-nectin-2 and anti-nectin-3 antibodies

Aim： To understand the biological functions of the ectoplasmic specializations between Sertoli cells and maturing spermatids in seminiferous epithelia. Methods： In order to disrupt the function of the ectoplasmic specializations, nectin-2, which is expressed at the specialization, was neutralized with anti-nectin-2 antibody micro-injected into the lumen of the mouse seminiferous tubule. Anti-nectin-3 antibody was also micro-injected into the lumen in order to neutralize nectin-3, which is expressed at the specialization. Results： The actin filaments at the specialization disappeared, and exfoliation of maturing spermatids was observed by electron microscopy. Conclusion： Nectin-2 was neutralized by anti-nectin-2 antibody and nectin-3 was neutralized by anti-nectin-3 antibody, respectively. Inactivated nectin-2 and nectin-3 disrupted the nectin-afadin-actin system, and finally the actin filaments disappeared. As a result, the specialization lost the holding function and detachment of spermatids was observed. One of the functions of the specialization seems to be to hold maturing spermatids until spermiation.

17β-Estradiol Regulates SKP2 Expression in Cultured Immature Boar Sertoli Cells Mainly via Estrogen Receptor β,cAMP-PKA and ERK1/2

Estrogen plays an important role in regulating testicular Sertoli cell number. Furthermore, S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 （SKP2） plays a central role in mammalian cell cycle progression. The objective of this study was to determine whether 17β-estradiol can regulate the expression of SKP2, and the Sertoli cell cycle, via estrogen receptor β （ERβ）, the cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP）-protein kinase A （PKA） and extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK1/2） pathway. When cultured immature boar Sertoli cells were treated with 17β-estradiol, a time-dependent increase in SKP2 mRNA and protein level was observed by real-time PCR and Western blot, and 17β-estradiol activity peaked at 30 min. Treatment with ICI182780 and ERβ antagonist reduced 17β-estradiol-induced expression of SKP2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA）, while increasing the protein concentration of p27kip1. However, the effect of ERa antagonist on these parameters was lower than that of ICI 182780 and ERβ. Forskolin had a similar effect as 17β-estradiol on the expression of SKP2, PCNA and p27kip1, Rp-cAMP, H-89 and U0126 treatment reduced 17β-estradiol-induced changes, while H-89 also inhibited ERK1/2 activation. Therefore, 17β-estradiol mainly regulates SKP2 mRNA and protein expression via ERβ-cAMP-PKA and ERK1/2 activation. SKP2 and PCNA expression were positively correlated, while increased SKP2 expression likely resulted in p27kip1 degradation.

Influence of FSH Treatment on Expression of CDC25A, TSSK3 and P53 in Vitro Cultured Sertoli Cells of Calf

CDC25A, TSSK3 and P53 expressions in vitro in cultured sertoli cells after FSH treatment were studied in order to provide some data for further researches of spermatogenesis. Different concentrations of FSH（0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.08 IU ·m L^-1） were used to treat sertoli cells cultured in vitro. The expression of CDC25 A, TSSK3 and P53 was determined by real-time-PCR at 6 h,12 h and 24 h after FSH treatment of sertoli cells. The results showed that FSH had no significant effect on expression of CDC25A（p〈0.05）, could significantly improve the expression of TSSK3 and P53（p0.05）, and had no significant effect on expression of CDC25 A in sertoli cells, but it could significantly improve the expression of TSSK3. CDC25 A was likely to play a role in other signaling pathways in sertoli cells. Within the range of certain concentration of FSH, TSSK3 in sertoli cells had the highest expression at about 24 h. TSSK3 protein produced in sertoli cells was likely to play an important role in substrate-level phosphorylationbe in meiosis and mitosis of spermatogenic cells. FSH could promote P53 expression and the highest expression was at about 12 h, and P53 might control the division of spermatogenic cells as well as sertoli cells.

Cold plasma promotes Sertoli cell proliferation via AMPK–mTOR signaling pathway

This study investigated cold plasmas for multiple biological applications. Our previous work has found dielectric barrier discharge plasma improves chicken sperm quality. The number of Sertoli cells(SCs) decides spermatogenesis. However, whether cold plasma can regulate SC proliferation remains unclear. This study explored the effects of cold plasma on immature chicken SC proliferation and the regulation mechanism. Results showed that cold plasma exposure at 2.4 W for 30 s twice with an interval of 6 h produced(P<0.05) the maximum SC viability, cell growth, and cell cycle progression. SC proliferation-promoting effect of cold plasma treatment was regulated by increasing(P<0.05) the adenosine triphosphate production and the respiratory enzyme activity in the mitochondria. This process was potentially mediated by the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)–mammalian target of rapamycin(m TOR) signaling pathway, which was regulated by the micro RNA(mi RNA) targeting regulation directly and by the intracellular reactive oxygen species homeostasis indirectly. The cold plasma treatment increased(P<0.01) the mi R-7450-5 p expression and led to a decreased(P<0.01) AMPKα1 level. On the other hand, mi R-100-5 p expression was reduced(P<0.05) and led to an increased(P<0.05) m TOR level in SCs. A single-stranded synthetic mi R-7450-5 p antagomir and a double-stranded synthetic mi R-100-5 p agomir reduced(P<0.05) the SC proliferation. However, this could be ameliorated(P<0.05) by the cold plasma treatment. Our findings suggest that appropriate cold plasma treatment provides a safe strategy to improve SC proliferation, which is beneficial to elevating male chicken reproductive capacity.

FSH Promoting Proliferation of Calf Sertoli Cells Through Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway with CDC25B Being Involved

The aim of this experiment was to investigate whether FSH could regulate the proliferation of calf Sertoli cells and the relationship with CDC25 B through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The experimental method was to culture Sertoli cells with different concentrations of FSH(40, 80, 120 and 150 ng · mL) and to treat the cultured cells with XAV939(β-catenin inhibitor) and to detect the expression of CDC25 B, CDC2, C-MYC and β-catenin. The results of the experiment showed that FSH could promote the proliferation of cells and its effect was good at 80 ng · mLconcentration. FSH could promote the expression of CDC25 B, CDC2, C-MYC and β-catenin. The expression of C-MYC and β-catenin in group FSH+XAV939 was lower than that in group FSH. There was no difference in mRNA expression of CDC25 B in group FSH and group FSH+XAV939. The protein expression of CDC25 B in group FSH+XAV939 was lower than that in group FSH. The conclusion was that FSH could promote the proliferation of calf Sertoli cells through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. CDC25 B was upregulated by FSH and CDC2 could promote the proliferation of calf Sertoli cells. The protein level of CDC25 B was affected by Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Effect of FasL High Expression on Immune Regulative Function of Sertoli Cell in Transgenic Mouse

Objective To study the immune regulative function of Sertoli cell on testis local infection Methods Ureaplasma urealyticum （UU） was directly injected into bladders of FasL transgenic mice and wild-type mice, which mimicked an ascending infectious way. At week 1, 2 and 3 after injection respectively, the mice were killed to observe the pathological alterations in testis section. And at the same time cytokines was tested by immunohistochemistry. Comparison of levels of FasL, TGF-β, IL-1α and IL-6 between UU-infected and control groups of wild mice and FasL transgenic mice was made respectively. Then the capability of Sertoli cell （FasL^＋） to mediate apoptosis of Fas^＋ cells between wild control and wild UU-infected groups was analyzed. Results The pathological changes of testis in FasL transgenic mice were more seriously compared with wild counterpart and the changing mode of cytokines secreted by Sertoli cells were different between the two kinds of mice. The UU-infected Sertoli cells increased Fas^＋ Jurkat cell apoptosis. Conclusions High expression of FasL in FasL transgenic mice can influence the cytokines secretion during anti-infection, thus affecting the testis immune response to infection and immune balance. The high expression of FasL is not beneficial for body＇s anti-inflection immune response.

Effect of Ureaplasma Urealyticum Infection on the Interleukin-1 Secretion in Rat Sertoli Cells

Objective To investigate the effect of Ureaplasma Urealyticum(UU) on the expression of IL 1 secretion in rat Sertoli cells Material & Methods Isolated rat Sertoli cells were infected by living UU, UU supernatants, inactivated UU of different dosage respectively. IL 1 secretion by rat Sertoli cells is determined by using group t test and F test. Results UU infection, both living UU and supernatant without UU, could inhibit the IL 1 secretion in rats Sertoli cells (P<0.01). Conclusion The infection of Sertoli cells by UU inhibit the biological function of the Sertoli cells in rat.