Induction of interleukin-1α production in murine Sertoli cells by interleukin-1

In the present study we examined the involvement of interleukin (IL)- 1α, -1β, FSH, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the regulation of IL-1α and -1β production by Sertoli cells under in vitro conditions. Sertoli cell cultures from immature mice produced constitutively basal levels of intracellular IL-1α. Stimulation of Sertoli cell cultures with LPS (5 μg/ml) resulted in a maximal production of intracellular IL-1α 2 h after the stimulation. Thereafter, these levels decreased but remained significantly higher within 24 h after stimulation than those in control cultures. The effect of LPS on IL-1α production was dose dependent. FSH did not show any effect on intracellular IL-1α production by Sertoli cells. IL- 1α could not be detected in supernatants of unstimulated or stimulated Sertoli cell cultures. Sertoll cell cultures stimulated with recombinant IL- 1α induced optimal intracellular levels of IL-lα within 2 h of stimulation. These levels remained high 24 h after stimulation. However, stimulation of Sertoli cell cultures with IL-1α induced a peak of IL-1α production 8 h after stimulation. These levels decreased 24 h after the stimulation but were still found to be significantly higher than those in control cultures. The addition of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) to Sertoli cell cultures did not significantly alter their capacity to produce IL-1α. However, the stimulatory effects of recombinant IL-lα on IL-1α production by Sertoli cell cultures were reversed by the concomitant addition of recombinant IL- 1ra. No immunoreactive IL-1β could be detected in lysates or conditioned media of immature murine Sertoli cells under any of the stimulatory conditions outlined. Our results may suggest the involvement of physiological (IL1) and pathophysiological factors (LPS) in the regulation of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis processes and male fertility.