Regulation by FSH and dibutyryl cyclic AMP of the formation of androgen-binding protein in Sertoli cell-enriched cultures

Abstract

Sertoli cell-enriched preparations from testes of 20-day-old rats were cultured in a defined medium in the presence and absence of FSH [follicle stimulating hormone] or dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dcAMP). Androgen-binding activity was assayed in the culture medium, and related to testicular anrogen-binding protein (ABP). The production and secretion of ABP by the Sertoli cell-enriched preparation was increased after FSH or dcAMP treatment of the primary culture. It is concluded that ABP is produced by Sertoli cells. The possiblility of involvement of other cell types in the testis in ABP production is discussed.