Testin, a sensitive marker to monitor the integrity of Sertoli-germ cell junctions, can be used to screen potential male contraceptives

Development of reversible male contraceptives has been limited to hormonal and immunological approaches. We have embarked on a new approach to interve ne with germ cell (GC) attachment to the seminiferous epithelium thereby in ducing premature release of GC into the tubular lumen which lack the abilit y to fertilize the egg. Testin, a component of the Sertoli cell (SC)-GC jun ctions, is a sensitive marker to monitor the disruption of these junctions. We have examined the mechanism of action of an antispermatogenic drug, lon idamine (LD) that is known to induce rearrangement of microfilaments in SC plasma membrane, causing GC depletion from the seminiferous epithelium that apparently exerts its affect on testin. These studies are crucial to: (i) develop new derivatives of LD targeted at the SC-CC junctions for male cont raceptive development; and (ii) understand the complex events of cell-cell interactions in the testis.