The change is length and width of the Sertoli cell nuclei in cytologic smears of testes with depopulation of the seminiferous epithelium

The appearance of the Sertoli cells in cytological smears of tests with depopulation of the seminiferous epithelium is described. The mean values of the lengths and widths of the Sertoli cell nuclei in smears differed significantly between the depopulation and the control group (p < 0.01).     

Behaviour of glycogen and related enzymes in the sertoli cell syndrome

Riassunto Nella «sindrome da sole cellule di Sertoli congenita o idiopatica» (aplasia germinale vera) la 1–4 AP, ricercata con metodi istochimici, risulta assente in corrispondenza dell'epitelio del tubulo seminifero e si presenta in quantità apprezzabile in sede peritubulare (cellule muscolari). Nella «sindrome da sole cellule di Sertoli acquisita», conseguente a trattamento radiante, il comportamento della 1–4 AP è del tutto simile a quello del testicolo normale. Il metodo appare pertanto utile per la diagnosi differenziale fra le due forme, su base istochimica.     

Detection of fibrillary bodies in human and experimental leukemias by polarizing microscopy]

An optical polarizing microscope with a good coefficient of extinction permits the visualization of the cytoplasmic fibrillar body in living preparations and smears of leukemic cells (human leukemias and the L 5222 experimental leukemia). These inclusions are not visible by phase contrast microscopy nor in fixed and stained smears.     

Sertoli cells of adult rats in vitro. III. Purification of androgen-binding protein from the culture medium

Summary A method giving a high yield for the isolation and purification of the androgen-binding protein (ABP) from the nutritional medium of cultured Sertoli cells from adult rats is described.This work was supported by grants No. 80.01547.96 and No.80.01582.96 from the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche.     

Sertoli cells of adult rats in vitro. II. Effect of different steroid precursors on estradiol 17 beta-synthesis.

The estradiol 17 beta-synthesis by delta 4 pathway has been studied in homogenous cultures of Sertoli cells isolated from adult rat testes. The data reported clearly demonstrate that progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone and estrone induce an increase of the estradiol 17 beta-production.     

Role of ACTH on the cytomorphology of testes of the immature rat.

The male gametogenic development of the immature rat shows inhibitory effect by the exogenous infusion of ACTH (0.25 IU and 0.50 IU; i.p.). Seminiferous tubular degeneration, Leydig cell atrophy and Sertoli cell regression are very conspicuous in the dosage of 0.50 IU ACTH (i.p.). Cytometrical and histological evidence confirms that ACTH could be inhibited by FSH during male gametogenic development which leads to cellular degeneration of testes in the immature rat.     

A method to collect cervical smears from small breeds of monkeys.

A simple method is described to collect cervical smears and to have a clear view of cervix for small breed of monkeys. This method was found useful to collect adequate cytology smears with good preservation of cellular morphology.     

Role of ACTH on the cytomorphology of testes of the immature rat

Summary The male gametogenic development of the immature rat shows inhibitory effect by the exogenous infusion of ACTH (0.25 IU and 0.50 IU; i.p.). Seminiferous tubular degeneration, Leydig cell atrophy and Sertoli cell regression are very conspicuous in the dosage of 0.50 IU ACTH (i.p.). Cytometrical and histological evidence confirms that ACTH could be inhibited by FSH during male gametogenic development which leads to cellular degeneration of testes in the immature rat.This work is supported by CSIR, Project No. JRF 37. We thank Md. K. Doubet for photomicrography.     

A method to collect cervical smears from small breeds of monkeys

Summary A simple method is described to collect cervical smears and to have a clear view of cervix for small breed of monkeys. This method was found useful to collect adequate cytology smears with good preservation of cellular morphology.     

Nuclear projections in tumour cells and large chromosome markers

Summary The application of banding techniques on cytological smears from pleural effusion in a case of histiocytic sarcoma has provided direct evidence for correspondence between nuclear projections in tumor cells and extra large chromosome markers observed in the neoplastic karyotype obtained by direct preparations.     

Ein Progesteron-abhängiges Pheromon der weiblichen Maus

Summary Female mice kept in groups exhibit less oestrous smears than females kept singly. Ovariectomized females have only slightly reduced number of oestrous smears, but ovariectomized females injected with progesterone act on other females like intact ones. It is concluded that a progesterone-dependent pheromone excreted by dioestrous females acts oestrus-depressing on other females.     

De l'action radio-protectrice exercée sur la muqueuse rectale par la cystéamine administrée par voie générale et par la cystamine administrée par voie intra-rectale

Summary The authors studied the lesions observed in the rectal and vaginal smears of the rat after a local irradiation of the rectum. They observed that an injection of cysteamine before the irradiation strongly diminishes the ratio of damaged rectal and vaginal cells. A local treatment with cysteamine in the rectum before and during the irradiation diminishes only the ratio of damaged rectal cells.     

Application vaginale de cystamine et Radio-Protection locale

Summary In a previous paper, the authors showed that intraperitoneally administered cystamine protects the vaginal mucosa of rats against local irradiation.Using the same technique (study of radiation-lesions in vaginal smears), they demonstrate that locally administered cystamine is also effective.     

Action du becaptan (β-mercapto-éthylamine) sur la radiosensibilité des cellules vaginales du rat femelle

Summary The authors studied the lesions observed in the vaginal smears of the rat after a local irradiation.They observed that an injection of cysteamine before the irradiation strongly diminishes the ratio of damaged cells.

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L. Darcis, Aspirant du F. N. R. S.     

Developmental regulation of p70 S6 kinase by a G protein-coupled receptor dynamically modelized in primary cells

The mechanisms whereby G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) activate signalling pathways involved in mRNA translation are ill-defined, in contrast to tyrosine kinase receptors (TKR). We compared a GPCR and a TKR, both endogenously expressed, for their ability to mediate phosphorylation of 70-kDa ribosomal S6 kinase p70S6K in primary rat Sertoli cells at two developmental stages. In proliferating cells stimulated with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), active p70S6K was phosphorylated on T389 and T421/S424, through cAMP-dependent kinase (PKA) and phosphatidyl-inositide-3 kinase (PI3K) antagonizing actions. In FSH-stimulated differentiating cells, active p70S6K was phosphorylated solely on T389, PKA and PI3K independently enhancing its activity. At both developmental stages, insulin-induced p70S6K regulation was consistent with reported data. Therefore, TKR and GPCR trigger distinct p70S6K active conformations. p70S6K developmental regulation was formalized in a dynamic mathematical model fitting the data, which led to experimentally inaccessible predictions on p70S6K phosphorylation rate.     

Hormonal control of Sertoli cell metabolism regulates spermatogenesis

Hormonal regulation is essential to spermatogenesis. Sertoli cells (SCs) have functions that reach far beyond the physical support of germ cells, as they are responsible for creating the adequate ionic and metabolic environment for germ cell development. Thus, much attention has been given to the metabolic functioning of SCs. During spermatogenesis, germ cells are provided with suitable metabolic substrates, in a set of events mediated by SCs. Multiple signaling cascades regulate SC function and several of these signaling pathways are hormone-dependent and cell-specific. Within the seminiferous tubules, only SCs possess receptors for some hormones rendering them major targets for the hormonal signaling that regulates spermatogenesis. Although the mechanisms by which SCs fulfill their own and germ cells metabolic needs are mostly studied in vitro, SC metabolism is unquestionably a regulation point for germ cell development and the hormonal control of these processes is required for a normal spermatogenesis.     

Regulation of male sex determination: genital ridge formation and Sry activation in mice

Sex determination is essential for the sexual reproduction to generate the next generation by the formation of functional male or female gametes. In mammals, primary sex determination is commenced by the presence or absence of the Y chromosome, which controls the fate of the gonadal primordium. The somatic precursor of gonads, the genital ridge is formed at the mid-gestation stage and gives rise to one of two organs, a testis or an ovary. The fate of the genital ridge, which is governed by the differentiation of somatic cells into Sertoli cells in the testes or granulosa cells in the ovaries, further determines the sex of an individual and their germ cells. Mutation studies in human patients with disorders of sex development and mouse models have revealed factors that are involved in mammalian sex determination. In most of mammals, a single genetic trigger, the Y-linked gene Sry (sex determination region on Y chromosome), regulates testicular differentiation. Despite identification of Sry in 1990, precise mechanisms underlying the sex determination of bipotential genital ridges are still largely unknown. Here, we review the recent progress that has provided new insights into the mechanisms underlying genital ridge formation as well as the regulation of Sry expression and its functions in male sex determination of mice.     

Sertoli cells of adult rats in vitro. II. Effect of different steroid precursors on estradiol 17β-synthesis

Summary The estradiol 17-synthesis by ⁴ pathway has been studied in homogenous cultures of Sertoli cells isolated from adult rat testes. The data reported clearly demonstrate that progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone and estrone induce an increase of the estradiol 17-production.This work was partially supported by grants No. 77.01322.04 and No. 77.01958.04 from the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche.The excellent technical assistance of Antonio Muller and Massimo Rosati is deeply appreciated.     

Zellmorphologische Veränderungen im Vaginalabstrich nach Strahleneinwirkung

Summary (1) The vaginal smears show no definite criteria of susceptibility to radiation except for the disappearance of the atypical cells. (2) Nothing can be said about the diagnosis. Only the clinical status may enable the experienced gynaecologist to predict the prognosis. (3) The cytology of the vagina serves as an important guide to the progress of cases of carcinoma which had been radiated or operated. The diagnosis of recurrence of the local, highly differentiated carcinoma, following radiation may present difficulties.

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Diese Arbeit ist Herrn Prof.A. Werthemann, Vorsteher der Pathologisch-Anatomischen Anstalt der Universität Basel, zum 70. Geburtstag gewidmet.