Sertoli Cell Quiescence - New Insights

Abstract

It is currently accepted that the Sertoli cells are proliferatively active only during the embryogenesis and early fetal development, seizing to divide after puberty, when the spermatogenic niche is prepared, and they become terminally differentiated. So far, only seasonal breeders from mammals have been reported as having season-dependent variations in adult Sertoli cells number and proliferation activity. In this review, we will try to shed light on testis somatic cell plasticity and discuss new evidence for some unique proliferative features Sertoli cells harbor. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.