The biological significance of the Sertoli cells

In the normal testicle there are three parenchymatous elements, namely, sperm-forming cells, Sertoli cells and interstitial cells. In the cryptorchid testicle only two types of cells are found, Sertoli cells and interstitial cells. The latter form the bulk of the cryptorchid testicle; the former line, in a synchtial manner, the small seminiferous tubules. Since the genitalia of castrated animals are very atrophic and secondary sexual characters absent, while both are normally developed in cryptorchids, one can conclude, firstly, that the testicle does furnish an internal secretion to the organism, and, secondly, the secretion is elaborated either by the Sertoli cells or interstitial cells. It is the purpose of this note to bring forward evidence which has come to light in a study of normal and cryptorchid testicles of the pig, showing that the Sertoli cells have the very definite function of furnishing nutriment, especially fat, to the developing sperm-cells. Benda, Peter, Grobben, v. Ehner and others have concluded on morphological grounds that the Sertoli cells are nutritive cells; evidence from the physiological side has been lacking.