Aim: To set up a method of isolation and culture of Sertoli cells from adult testis and to investigate their immune privilege mechanism.
Methods: Adult testis Sertoli cells were prepared successfully by digestion with trypsin, collagenase, hyaluronidase and DNase, and then the expression of Fas-L and TGF-beta1 was examined by SABC staining. The Sertoli cells were cocultured with adult splenocytes to detect the inhibitory effect of Sertoli cells on splenocyte proliferation by MTT colorimetry.
Results: In cultured cells, Sertoli cells accounted for more than 80% of total cells. The activity of Sertoli cells reached 90%. Sertoli cells expressed Fas-L and TGF-beta1 and could inhibit the proliferation of cocultured splenocytes in vitro.
Conclusion: A method of isolation and culture of Sertoli cells from adult testis has been established. The immune privilege mechanism of Sertoli cells may be related to the expression of Fas-L and TGF-beta1.