Human testicular peritubular cells: more than meets the eye

摘要: In healthy men, several layers of inconspicuously flat cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins build the wall seminiferous tubules. The this wall, peritubular cells, are not well characterized. They smooth-muscle-like contractile transport immotile sperm, a function important for male fertility. However, their full functional importance, especially potential contribution to paracrine regulation gonad, is unknown. men with impaired spermatogenesis, architecture tubular frequently altered. Deposits ECM morphological changes imply that functions may be fundamentally To able study human functions, culture method was established. It based on small biopsies patients obstructive azoospermia but normal spermatogenesis (human testicular HTPCs) non-obstructive azoospermia, fibrosis (HTPCFs). Results obtained from cellular studies parallel examinations provide insights into repertoire secretion products, properties, plasticity cells. produce components, including proteoglycan decorin, which influence signaling between contribute spermatogonial stem cell niche via secreted factors. regulated by mast macrophage in response factors can fuel inflammatory changes. possess high degree plasticity, results hypertrophy loss abilities. data collectively indicate roles inconspicuous fertility infertility.