Heat stress response of somatic cells in the testis

• Published in: Molecular and cellular endocrinology Vol. 527; p. 111216
• Main Authors: Aldahhan, Rashid A., Stanton, Peter G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier B.V 01.05.2021
• Subjects: body temperature; Cryptorchidism; endocrinology; heat; heat shock response; Heat stress; Leydig cell; Sertoli cell; sperm motility; Spermatogenesis; spermatozoa; thermoregulation; Sertoli cell; Cryptorchidism; Heat stress; Spermatogenesis; Leydig cell
• ISSN: 0303-7207; 1872-8057; 1872-8057
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111216

The testis is a temperature-sensitive organ that needs to be maintained 2–7 °C below core body temperature to ensure the production of normal sperm. Failure to maintain testicular temperature in mammals impairs spermatogenesis and leads to low sperm counts, poor sperm motility and abnormal sperm morphology in the ejaculate. This review discusses the recent knowledge on the response of testicular somatic cells to heat stress and, specifically, regarding the relevant contributions of heat, germ cell depletion and inflammatory reactions on the functions of Sertoli and Leydig cells. It also outlines mechanisms of testicular thermoregulation, as well as the thermogenic factors that impact testicular function. •Spermatogenesis is a temperature-sensitive process.•Increased testicular temperature is detrimental to both germ cell viability and somatic cell function.•Whether Sertoli cells are directly affected by testicular heating or due to germ cell damage remains unclear.•The Leydig cell response to heat stress likely occurs after seminiferous tubule damage.•Other somatic cells' response is poorly investigated, leaving this area open for scientists to study male reproduction.