In vitro cultured human Sertoli cells secrete high amounts of acetate that is stimulated by 17 beta-estradiol and suppressed by insulin deprivation

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Alves, MG (Author) Other; Socorro, S (Author) Other; Silva, J (Author) Other; barros, a (Author) FMUP; sousa, m (Author) ICBAS; cavaco, je (Author) Other; Oliveira, PF (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Molecular Cell Research

Vol. 1823

Pages: 1389-1394

ISSN: 0167-4889

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 72 Citations

Scopus - 78 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-7HQ

DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2012.06.002

Abstract (EN): Background: Several important functions for a successful spermatogenesis are dependent on Sertoli cells (SCs). Besides their unique characteristics as support cells, they produce essential cofactors and metabolites, and are responsible for nurturing the developing germ cells. The continuous production of lipids, phospholipids and proteins by germ cells must require high amounts of metabolic precursors. Thus, we hypothesized that hSCs could produce acetate in a hormonally-regulated manner. Methods: hSC-enriched primary cultures were maintained in the absence of insulin or in the presence of 17 beta-estradiol (E2) or 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Acetate production was determined by 1H-NMR. mRNA gene expression levels of Acetyl CoA hydrolase (ACoA Hyd) and Acetyl CoA synthase (ACoA Synt) were determined by RT-PCR. Results: hSCs produced high amounts of acetate suggesting that this metabolite should play a key role on the progression of spermatogenesis, namely as a metabolic precursor for the synthesis of cellular constituents. In addition, acetate metabolism proved to be under strict hormonal regulation. In the presence of E2 or DHT, hSCs produced different amounts of acetate. While E2 treatment increased acetate production, increasing ACoA Hyd gene transcript levels, DHT-treated cells showed decreased acetate production, differently modulating the ratio ACoA Hyd/ACoA Synt Surprisingly, insulin-deprivation completely suppressed acetate production/export and significantly decreased the ACoA Hyd gene transcript levels. General significance: Taken together, these results suggest that, although hSCs are primarily described as lactate producers, the elevated production of acetate deserves special attention, in order to clarify the mechanisms behind its hormonal regulation and its role on a successful spermatogenesis.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 6