Role of Sertoli cells in injury-associated testicular germ cell apoptosis

This review examines experimental models of Sertoli cell injury resulting i n germ cell apoptosis, Since germ cells exist in an environment created by Sertoli cells, paracrine signaling between these intimately associated cell s must regulate the process of germ cell death. Germ cell apoptosis may be signaled by a decrease in Sertoli cell pro-survival factors, an increase in Sertoli cell pro-apoptotic factors, or both. The different models of Serto li cell injury indicate that spermatogenesis is susceptible to disruption, and that targeting critical Sertoli cell functions can lead to rapid and ma ssive germ cell death.