Modulation of phagocytic activity in cultured Sertoli cells.

Phagocytic activity of rat Sertoli cells that were cultured in vitro has been evaluated as the ability to internalize polystyrene beads. Our data demonstrate that these cells are active phagocytes and that such phagocytic activity is under negative control by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The hormonal control is mediated by increased intracellular levels of cAMP. Moreover Sertoli cell responds to tuftsin, an oligopeptide known to act only on macrophages and granulocytes, by increasing up to five times its phagocytic activity. Phagocytic uptake of polystyrene beads is associated with dramatic changes of the cellular shape. Such morphological modifications are significantly reduced under FSH stimulation. The physiological implications of the data are discussed.