What is a Sertoli cell?
Sertoli cells are a type of supporting cell called sustentacular cells, or sustenocyte, that are typically found in epithelial tissue. Sertoli cells secrete signaling molecules that promote sperm production and can control whether germ cells live or die. Sertoli cells (also known as nurse cells) produce androgen- binding protein.
What is the marker for Sertoli cell tumor?
Sertoli Cell Tumor. Inhibin A is also a sensitive marker of Sertoli cell differentiation (>90% positive). Sertoli cell tumor including its large cell calcifying variant stains variably positive with antibodies to vimentin, cytokeratin, S-100, synaptophysin, chromogranin, and neuron-specific enolase.
How do Sertoli cells isolate spermatogonia?
The developing spermatogonia rely on the Sertoli cells for all of their nourishment. The blood-testis barrier formed by the Sertoli cells effectively isolates the developing spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and mature spermatozoa from blood. Differentiating spermatozoa nestle in pockets in the peripheral cytoplasm of these cells.
Is a seminoma a Sertoli cell tumor?
A typical seminoma with clear cells and tubular pattern may mimic a Sertoli cell tumor; besides other cytoarchitectural features and intratubular germ cell neoplasia, PLAP, inhibin, and cytokeratin staining is helpful in making this distinction.
Imaging of gynecological disease (2): clinical and ultrasound