Investigation of detoxification capacity of rat testicular germ cells and Sertoli cells.

Isolated pachytene spermatocytes liver longer than round spermatids in vitro. Indigenous formation of oxygen-derived free radicals and hydrogen peroxide can cause damage to germ cells. The germ cell antioxidant capacity may play an important role in this respect. In view of this, we have examined the activity and cellular localization of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferases (GST) in rat testicular cells. We have found significant differences in the distribution of these enzymatic activities in the germ cells. In addition, this study shows that alpha-tocopherol is found in various amounts in rat testicular cells in the order of: Sertoli cells greater than pachytene spermatocytes greater than round spermatids, with a factor of 4 in the alpha-tocopherol content between Sertoli cells and round spermatids.