Function of Somatic Cells in the Testis: (Serono Symposia USA)

The XIIth North American Testis Workshop was held in Tampa, Florida, April 13 to 16, 1993. The program consisted of 23 invited lectures and 120 poster presentations. In keeping with the tradition of the Testis Workshop, every attempt was made to emphasize recent develop- ments in the study of endocrine and gametogenic functions of the male gonad. Although the main emphasis, reflected in the title of the pro- ceedings, was on the function and control of somatic cells in the testis, one session was devoted to germ cells and one to the studies of male reproductive development and function. The last session of the workshop was included in the program of the Postgraduate Course of the American Society of Andrology, which held its annual meeting in Tampa imme- diately following the workshop. This volume consists of 21 chapters prepared by the speakers and 8 chapters contributed by presenters of the posters. The Program Committee consisted of Drs. Nancy Alexander, C. Wayne Bardin, Andrzej Bartke (Chairman), Kevin J. Catt, Claude Desjardins, Maria Dufau, Michael Griswold, Norman Hecht, Aaron Hsueh, Dolores J. Patanelli, Bernard Robaire, and Richard Sherins. The workshop was generously funded by Serono Symposia, USA, which also agreed to handle registration, local arrangements, and publication of this volume. On behalf of the Program Committee and all participants, I would like to thank Dr. Bruce Burnett of Serono Symposia, USA and his staff for their efforts and support in every aspect of the organization of the workshop.

Table of Contents:
1. Endangered Species Spermatozoa: Diversity, Research, and Conservation.- I. Functional Significance of Morphological Relationships.- 2. Stage-Related Functions of Sertoli Cells: Lessons from Lower Vertebrates.- 3. Structure-Function Relationships in Somatic Cells of the Testis and Accessory Reproductive Glands.- 4. Local Growth Factor Effects During Spermatogenesis.- 5. Stage-Specific Expression of the Cathepsin L Gene by Rat Sertoli Cells.- II. Functions of Somatic Cells in the Testis.- 6. Characterization, Regulation, and Tissue-Specific Expression of Steroidogenic Enzymes.- 7. Molecular Genetics, Structure-Function Relationships, and Tissue-Specific Expression and Regulation of the 3?HSD Gene Family.- 8. Regulation of DNA Synthesis in Leydig Cells.- 9. Use of Two-Compartment Cultures of Sertoli Cells for Investigating Blood-Testis Barrier Physiology.- 10. Mediation of the Hormonal Stimulation of Steroidogenesis by the Polypeptide Diazepam Binding Inhibitor.- 11. Inhibition of Spermatogenesis by Tetanus Toxin Expression in Sertoli Cells of Transgenic Mice.- III. Signaling Molecules and Their Receptors.- 12. Pituitary Control of Fetal and Adult Leydig Cells and Physiological Regulation of Gonadotropin Gene Expression and Secretion in the Male.- 13. Expression of the FSH Receptor in the Sertoli Cells.- 14. Regulation of Germ Cell Proliferation In Vitro by Activins, Follistatin, and Other Growth Factors.- 15. Androgen Action in Sertoli and Peritubular Cells.- 16. Hormonal Control of Apoptotic Cell Death in the Testis.- 17. Involvement of Liver-Regulating Protein-Like Molecule in Sertoli-Germ Cell Cross Talk.- 18. 5?-Reductase Activity Increased by Oxytocin in the Rat Testis.- 19. Induction by LH/hCG of an Increase in the Rate of Pig Leydig Cell Receptor mRNADegradation.- 20. Genetics and Luteinizing Hormone Receptors.- IV. Regulation of Germ Cells, Differentiation, and Gene Expression.- 21. Development of Postnatal Gonocytes In Vivo and In Vitro.- 22. Role of Retinoids in Spermatogonial Proliferation and Differentiation and the Meiotic Prophase.- 23. Role and Regulation of Spermatogenic Cell-Specific Gene Expression: Enzymes of Glycolysis.- 24. Regulation of the Cyclic Nucleotide-Dependent Pathway in Seminiferous Tubule Cells.- 25. Testis-Specific Proprotein Convertase 4: Gene Structure, Optional Exons, and mRNA Isoforms.- 26. Neonatal Propylthiouracil Treatment as a Model System for Studying Factors Controlling Testis Growth and Sperm Production.- V. Recent Developments in the Studies of Male Reproductive Functions.- 27. Molecular Biology of Human Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome.- 28. Congenital Absence of the Vas Deferens and the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Gene: Evidence for a Common Genetic Background.- 29. GnRH Neurons in an Interpretation of Kallmann’s Syndrome.- Author Index.