Abstract
The number of available peptide hormone receptors is believed to be of importance for the sensitivity of a target cell to hormonal stimulation. Receptor concentration can vary, depending on e.g. the degree of hormonal stimulation. This may serve as a local regulator of cell activity.
The binding of FSH was studied in homogenates of rat seminiferous tubules that were in different stages of the spermatogenetic wave. After dissection, the tubules were homogenized and incubated at 25°C for 16 h with varying concentrations of 125I-hFSH. The number of receptors was quantitated by Scatchard analysis. Although the seminiferous tubules were exposed to the same hormonal milieu, there was a significant variation in FSH binding, depending on the stage of spermatogenesis. Binding was maximal in stage XIII-I (4.3 × 10-15 mol/200 mm tubules), minimal in stages VII-VIII (2.0 × 10-15). The pattern of FSH binding did not correlate with the FSH stimulated secretion of cAMP or with the secretion of the Sertoli cell specific androgen binding protein (ABP). The results show that FSH binding to Sertoli cells is dependent on the functional state of the cell, or on the nature of the neighboring cells.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ritzen, E. FSH binding and action on rat Sertoli cells depends on the stages of spermatogenesis. Pediatr Res 15, 80 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198101000-00055
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198101000-00055