Cell interactions in the rat seminiferous epithelium with special reference to the cellular distribution of calmodulin.

Abstract

Spermatogenesis is dependent on stimulation by pituitary gonadotropins, FSH and LH. Targets for these hormones are Sertoli and Leydig cells, respectively. The effect of LH on spermatogenesis is mediated by testosterone. In addition to hormones, interactions between neighbouring cells seem to regulate spermatogenesis. This is reflected by cyclic secretion of several proteins by the seminiferous epithelium, of which plasminogen activator is a good example. While it is controlled by FSH a factor in preleptotene spermatocytes may also influence its cyclic secretion pattern. Both testosterone and FSH have a cyclic action in the seminiferous epithelium. The androgens seem to predominate in stages where spermiation, onset of meiosis and the highest rate of RNA transcription occur (VII-XI). FSH is most active in stages that contain meiotic divisions and early spermiogenesis (XIII-V), greatly stimulating the production of cyclic AMP. To investigate further the "second messengers" of FSH action in the seminiferous epithelium, the cellular distribution of calmodulin was analyzed using an indirect immunocytochemical method. In addition to their clear cyclic distribution in primary spermatocytes and in spermatids, Sertoli cells also showed a bright calmodulin immunofluorescence that was apparently cyclic. These observations suggest a local calmodulin and calcium regulation of spermatogenesis.