Revision 608956 of "Sertoli_cell" on enwiki

The '''Sertoli cell''' is the 'nurse' [[cell (biology)|cell]] of the [[testicle|testes]]. Its main function is concerned with nurturing the developing [[sperm]] cells during the process of [[spermatogenesis]]. 

Sertoli cells secrete [[antimullerian hormone|anti-Müllerian hormone]] (AMH) during the early stages of [[fetus|fetal]] life.  After puberty, they secrete the [[hormone]] [[inhibin]].  

The junctions of Sertoli cells form the [[blood-testis barrier]], a structure that partitions the interstitial [[blood]] compartment of the testis from the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous tubules.   Sertoli cells control the entry and exit of [[nutrient]]s, [[hormone]]s and other chemicals into the tubules of the testis. 

Once fully differentiated the Sertoli cell is unable to proliferate and therefore once spermatogenesis has begun no more Sertoli cells are created. Recently however, some scientists have found a way to grow these cells outside of the body. This gives rise to the possibility of repairing some defects that cause male infertility.

[[Category:Hormone secreting cells]]

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