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Horm Metab Res 2004; 36(8): 519-525
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-825753
Original Basic
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Testosterone Modulates K+ ATP Channels in Sertoli Cell Membrane via the PLC-PIP2 Pathway

E.  S.  Loss1 , M.  Jacobsen1 , Z.  S.  M.  Costa1 , A.  P.  Jacobus1 , F.  Borelli1 , G.  F.  Wassermann1
  • 1Departamento de Fisiologia ICBS, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
Further Information

Publication History

Received 5 January 2004

Accepted after Revision 1 March 2004

Publication Date:
24 August 2004 (online)

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Abstract

Testosterone at physiological intratesticular concentrations induces a dose-dependent depolarisation and an increase in input resistance together with an increment of 45Ca2+ uptake in the Sertoli cells from seminiferous tubules of immature rat. Previous studies have implicated K+ ATP channels in these testosterone actions. This study demonstrates that testosterone and sulphonylureas (glibenclamide and tolbutamide) depolarise the membrane potential, augment resistance and 45Ca2+ uptake in the Sertoli cells of seminiferous tubules from 10 - 15 day-old rats. These actions were nullified by the presence of the K+ ATP channel opener diazoxide. The depolarisation was also observed with the impermeant bovine serum albumin-bound testosterone. Testosterone actions were blocked by both pertussis toxin and the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122 implying the involvement of PLC - phosphatidylinositol 4-5 bisphosphate (PIP2) hydrolysis via G protein in testosterone actions. Polycations, including spermine and LaCl3, depolarised the membrane potential and increased the resistance. Hyperpolarisation caused by EGTA was reversed by LaCl3 and by the presence of testosterone. This last effect was nullified by the presence of U73122. All of the above results indicate that the action of testosterone on the Sertoli cell membrane is exercised on the K+ ATP channels through PLC-PIP2 hydrolysis that closes the channel, depolarises the membrane, and stimulates 45Ca2+ uptake.

Key words

Androgens · KIR channels · Testes · Sulphonylureas · Diazoxide · Pertussis toxin · U73122

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G. F. Wassermann

Departamento de Fisiologia ICBS, UFRGS

Rua Sarmento Leite, 500 · CEP 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS · Brazil

Phone: +55(51)33163302

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Email: gwass@ufrgs.br