Ectoplasmic specializations in the Sertoli cell: new vistas based on genetic defects and testicular toxicology

摘要: The ectoplasmic specialization is a unique junctional complex formed in two cortical areas of the Sertoli cell mammalian testis: one near base seminiferous epithelium forming blood—testis barrier, and other lumen tubule embracing acrosome region developing spermatids. consists plasma membrane, subsurface cistern endoplasmic reticulum layer closely packed actin filaments that sandwiched between membrane cistern. No functions specializations than barrier have been established. However, over past decade, knowledge about has steadily accumulating and, particular, there tremendous increase based on molecular biological approaches to specialization-associated proteins, including tight junction-associated phenotype analyses gene-knockout mice mutant animals, effects exogenous estrogens, so-called endocrine disruptors. Progress studies will facilitate elucidation numerous important questions regarding spermatogenesis, pathogenesis azoospermia mechanisms action