Origin and Role of Testicular Macrophages in Testis Development, Steroidogenesis, and Spermatogenesis

Rafal P. Piprek, Malgorzata Kloc, Klaudia Porebska, Paulina C. Mizia, Izabela Rams-Pociecha, Jacek Z. Kubiak

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Testicular macrophages are the principal immune cells in the testis. In addition to their classical immune roles, they regulate male hormone synthesis by Leydig cells, regeneration of Leydig cells, spermatogonia proliferation and differentiation, maintenance of testis-specific environment for sperm formation, and testis development. The juvenile and adult testes contain two distinct macrophage populations with unique tissue localization, genetic markers, morphology, and function. The interstitial macrophages are physically and functionally connected to Leydig cells, while the peritubular macrophages localize around the seminiferous tubules and are crucial for spermatogonia differentiation. Macrophages in the fetal testes regulate testis vasculature formation and clearance of mislocated cells. The origin of testicular macrophages is unclear. Some studies suggest their origin from the yolk sac and others from the bone marrow-derived monocytes. We discuss this issue at the end of this review article.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMonocytes and Macrophages in Development, Regeneration, and Disease
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages137-157
Number of pages21
Volume74
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024

Publication series

NameResults and Problems in Cell Differentiation
PublisherSpringer Verlag
ISSN (Print)0080-1844

Keywords

  • Gonad
  • Macrophage
  • Spermatogenesis
  • Steroidogenesis
  • Testis
  • Testis/cytology
  • Spermatogenesis/physiology
  • Macrophages/metabolism
  • Humans
  • Leydig Cells/metabolism
  • Male
  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

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