Regulation of human testicular peritubular cells by TNFalpha

ALBRECHT M; SCHELL C; MAYER C; SCHWARZER J; FRUNGIERI MB; MAYERHOFER A

Innsbruck, Austria

Congreso; 103 Versammlung der Anatomischen Gesellschaft; 2008

Anatomischen Gesellschaft

Purpose: To explore the nature of human testicular peritubular cells and mechanisms of their regulation. Methods: Human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) were isolated from adult human testes and cultured under standardized conditions (Albrecht et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006). Complementary approaches, including genearray/RT-PCR studies, Western blotting/immunocytochemistry and ELISA techniques were employed to study phenotypic characteristics of HTPCs and actions of TNFalpha. Results: HTPCs are positive for TNFalpha receptors 1 and 2 and respond to recombinant human TNFalpha by a rapid phosphorylation of ERK1/2. They express the NGF gene and TNFalpha stimulated mRNA levels and secretion of NGF in a dose- and time- dependent manner. Similarly, MCP-1 was identified as a product of HTPCs, which was regulated by TNFalpha in a concentration and time-dependent way. TNFalpha furthermore strongly enhanced expression and/or synthesis of COX2 and prostaglandin D secretion. In addition, ICAM-1, which was not detected at protein level in the absence of TNFalpha, was induced upon TNFalpha stimulation. Conclusions: Our results provide novel insights into the nature of human testicular peritubular cells, which, besides their structural function, are able to secrete potent signalling molecules and are regulated by TNFalpha. Grant support: DFG MA 1080/16-3