CHARACTERIZATION OF A CLONAL SERTOLI-CELL LINE USING ADULT PYLT TRANSGENIC MICE

In the present study we report the isolation and characterization of a clonal Sertoli cell line (42GPA9) from sexually mature polyoma virus large T (PyLT) transgenic mice, The cells multiplied indefinitely and expressed large T antigen. The 42GPA9 cell line expressed biochemical features associated with normal Sertoli cells. Transferrin, sulfated g lycoprotein-2, and the ligand of c-kif were detected by reverse transc ription-polymerase chain reactions and Western blot analyses. Zymograp hic analysis indicated that the 42GPA9 cell line secreted tissue-type plasminogen activator, These cells also retained FSH receptors as sugg ested by their specific responsiveness to the gonadotropin (morphologi cal and phagocytic changes, stimulation of cAMP production) and the de tection of FSH receptor mRNAs, Another original aspect of the 42GPA9 c ell line is its ability to form tight junctions at confluency as demon strated by electron microscopic study and immunolocalization of the ti ght junction-associated protein zonula occludens 1. The 42GPA9 cell li ne, which has retained several important hallmarks of normal Sertoli c ells, may prove useful for further studies on Sertoli cell behavior an d on Sertoli-germ cell interactions in the mature testis.