Sertoli cells are the somatic supporting cells of the seminiferous epithelium in the testis, extending from the basement membrane to the lumen of the seminiferous tubule and enveloping the developing germ cells at every stage of spermatogenesis. Through tight junctions between adjacent Sertoli cells they form the bl…
Sertoli cells are the somatic supporting cells of the seminiferous epithelium in the testis, extending from the basement membrane to the lumen of the seminiferous tubule and enveloping the developing germ cells at every stage of spermatogenesis. Through tight junctions between adjacent Sertoli cells they form the blood-testis barrier, which partitions the seminiferous epithelium into basal and adluminal compartments and creates the immunologically privileged microenvironment required for meiosis and spermiogenesis. Sertoli cells nourish and physically support germ cells, phagocytose residual cytoplasm and degenerating cells, and secrete factors essential to male reproduction, including androgen-binding protein, inhibin, and anti-Mullerian hormone, while responding to follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone to coordinate spermatogenic output. Because of their central role, Sertoli-cell function is highly sensitive to endocrine and toxic insult, a theme reflected in studies of testicular structural change under hypothyroidism, oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by lipopolysaccharide, chemotherapy- and toxin-related impairment of spermatogenesis, and the influence of radiofrequency radiation, as well as protective interventions using antioxidants and plant-derived compounds. Disruption of the Sertoli-cell environment compromises germ-cell survival, sperm production, and male fertility. Understanding Sertoli-cell biology is therefore fundamental to reproductive physiology, andrology, and the assessment of testicular toxicity.
8 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
The 8 articles above have been cited 100 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Sertoli Cells, linking to each citing work.