Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor and nerve growth factor on lactate production, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and aromatase activities in cultured Sertoli cells

Sertoli cells are under the control of FSH and androgens and also respond t o polypeptidic factors locally produced. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bF GF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) have been proposed to belong to the large set of intratesticular regulators. The aim of the present investigation wa s to analyze the effects of bFGF and NGF on lactate production, gamma-gluta myl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) and aromatase activities. Cultured Sertoli c ells dose-dependently responded to bFGF by increasing lactate production an d gamma-GTP activity under basal conditions. In FSH-stimulated cultures, a synergistic effect of FSH with bFGF for lactate production was observed. NG F did not produce changes in lactate production or gamma-GTP activity at an y dose tested, Both peptides decreased PSH-stimulated aromatase activity. T hese results provide additional evidence for the participation of bFGF and NGF in the complex network of intratesticular regulators, bFGF has pleiotro pic effects on Sertoli cell function while the actions of NGF seem to be mo re limited.