Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor and nerve growth factor on lactate production, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and aromatase activities in cultured Sertoli cells.

Sertoli cells are under the control of FSH and androgens and also respond to polypeptidic factors locally produced. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) have been proposed to belong to the large set of intratesticular regulators. The aim of the present investigation was to analyze the effects of bFGF and NGF on lactate production, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) and aromatase activities. Cultured Sertoli cells dose-dependently responded to bFGF by increasing lactate production and gamma-GTP activity under basal conditions. In FSH-stimulated cultures, a synergistic effect of FSH with bFGF for lactate production was observed. NGF did not produce changes in lactate production or gamma-GTP activity at any dose tested. Both peptides decreased FSH-stimulated aromatase activity. These results provide additional evidence for the participation of bFGF and NGF in the complex network of intratesticular regulators. bFGF has pleiotropic effects on Sertoli cell function while the actions of NGF seem to be more limited.