Searchable, peer-reviewed, open-access proceedings from bioscience and biomedical conferences

bp0005rdr8 | Gamete-Somatic Cell Interactions | REDR2002

Germ cell–somatic cell interactions during spermatogenesis

Saunders PTK

The adult testis has two essential functions, namely the synthesis and secretion of the steroid hormone testosterone and the production of mature spermatozoa. Germ cells undergo mitosis, meiosis and condensation (spermiation) in close association with Sertoli cells and in defined associations with each other within the seminiferous epithelium. Normal spermatogenesis and fertility are dependent upon paracrine interactions between the somatic cells (Sertoli, Leydig and peritubul...