The role of different compounds on the integrity of blood-testis barrier: A concise review based on in vitro and in vivo studies.

Abstract

Sertoli cells are "nurturing cells'' in the seminiferous tubules of the testis which have essential roles in the development, proliferation and differentiation of germ cells. These cells also divide the seminiferous epithelium into a basal and an adluminal compartment and establish the blood-testis barrier (BTB). BTB shields haploid germ cells from recognition by the innate immune system. Moreover, after translocation of germ cells into the adluminal compartment their nutritional source is separated from the circulatory system being only supplied by the Sertoli cells. The integrity of BTB is influenced by several organic/ organometallic, hormonal and inflammatory substances. Moreover, several environmental contaminants such as BPA have hazardous effects on the integrity of BTB. In the current review, we summarize the results of studies that assessed the impact of these agents on the integrity of BTB. These studies have implications in understanding the molecular mechanism of male infertility and also in the male contraception.

• Authors: Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard, Hamed Shoorei, Mahdi Mohaqiq, Sayed Haidar Abbas Raza, Mohammad Taheri
• Journal: Gene (Gene) Vol. 780 Pg. 145531 (May 15 2021) ISSN: 1879-0038 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 33631249 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Environmental Pollutants

Topics

• Animals
• Blood-Testis Barrier (metabolism, pathology)
• Environmental Exposure (adverse effects)
• Environmental Pollutants (toxicity)
• Humans
• Male
• Seminiferous Epithelium (metabolism, pathology)
• Sertoli Cells (metabolism, pathology)
• Spermatogenesis (drug effects)