Characterization of a clonal Sertoli cell line using adult PyLT transgenic mice.

In the present study we report the isolation and characterization of a clonal Sertoli cell line (42GPA9) from sexually mature polyoma virus large T (PyLT) transgenic mice. The cells multiplied indefinitely and expressed large T antigen. The 42GPA9 cell line expressed biochemical features associated with normal Sertoli cells. Transferrin, sulfated glycoprotein-2, and the ligand of c-kit were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions and Western blot analyses. Zymographic analysis indicated that the 42GPA9 cell line secreted tissue-type plasminogen activator. These cells also retained FSH receptors as suggested by their specific responsiveness to the gonadotropin (morphological and phagocytic changes, stimulation of cAMP production) and the detection of FSH receptor mRNAs. Another original aspect of the 42GPA9 cell line is its ability to form tight junctions at confluency as demonstrated by electron microscopic study and immunolocalization of the tight junction-associated protein zonula occludens 1. The 42GPA9 cell line, which has retained several important hallmarks of normal Sertoli cells, may prove useful for further studies on Sertoli cell behavior and on Sertoli-germ cell interactions in the mature testis.