AB081. Study on the secretory function of Sertoli cells and testicular damage in diabetic rats

Objective: To investigate the changes of secretory function of Sertoli cells and testicular damage in diabetic rats.

Methods: Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg/i.p.) in adult rats. Eight weeks later testicular tissue was harvested; serum INHB and testosterone (T) levels were measured by ELISA. The secretory proteins such as ABP, TF were measured by western blot. Testicular damage was detected by using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and apoptosis was identified by terminal-deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Seminiferous tubular sperm formation was evaluated using Johnsen’s score.

Results: In diabetic rats, ABP protein levels, serum INHB and T levels were found to be decreased greatly. Meanwhile, TF protein levels decreased without significantly. Additionally, TUNEL-positive cells were increased and Johnsen’s score was decreased in diabetic testes.

Conclusions: These results suggest that the secretory function of Sertoli cell in diabetic rats was damaged. The altered secretory function on Sertoli cell may be responsible for the disturbed spermatogenesis.

Keywords: Secretory function; Sertoli cell; diabetes mellitus