Dimeric transferrin inhibits phagocytosis of residual bodies by testicular rat Sertoli cells.
Biol Reprod
; 78(4): 697-704, 2008 Apr.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18094362
ABSTRACT
Transferrin is well known as an iron transport glycoprotein. Dimeric or tetrameric transferrin forms have recently been reported to modulate phagocytosis by human leukocytes. It is mainly synthesized by the liver, and also by other sources, such as Sertoli cells of the testis. Sertoli cells show a strong phagocytic activity toward apoptotic germ cells and residual bodies. Here, we provide evidence that purified human dimeric transferrin from commercial sources decreased residual body phagocytosis, unlike monomeric transferrin. The presence of iron appeared essential for dimeric transferrin inhibitory activity. Importantly, dimeric transferrin could be visualized by immunoblotting in Sertoli cell lysates as well as in culture media, indicating that dimeric transferrin could be physiologically secreted by Sertoli cells. By siRNA-mediated knockdown, we show that endogenous transferrin significantly inhibited residual body ingestion by Sertoli cells. These results are the first to identify dimeric transferrin in Sertoli cells and to demonstrate its implication as a physiological modulator of residual body phagocytosis by Sertoli cells.
Buscar no Google
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Fagocitose
/
Células de Sertoli
/
Transferrina
Limite:
Animals
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2008
Tipo de documento:
Article