Question

Do Sertoli cells produce testosterone?

Answer 1

Hint: Sertoli cells, also called nurse cells, are located in the seminiferous tubules of testes. These cells help in the process of spermatogenesis. They are activated by follicle-stimulating hormones in the convoluted seminiferous tubules. The development of Sertoli cells is influenced by the testis-determining factor protein. The distinctive feature of Sertoli cells is their dark nucleolus.

Complete answer:
Sertoli cells do not produce testosterone. The main function of Sertoli cells is to provide nutrition to the developing sperm cells through the stages of spermatogenesis. This is the reason why they are also called “nurse” or “mother” cells.
During spermatogenesis, the Sertoli cells also proliferate to the exact number needed to support the growing spermatogonia. Sertoli cell proliferation is crucial for the quantity and efficiency of sperm generation, as germ cells cannot survive or develop without Sertoli-cell assistance. If Sertoli cells numbers are very low, increased germ-cell apoptosis and reduced sperm production would occur.
Sertoli cells also act as phagocytes, consuming any residual cytoplasm during sperm production. Since they are located in the walls of the seminiferous tubules, they permanently stay inside the tubules.

Note:
The cells that produce testosterone are called the Leydig cells. They are found in the testicles adjacent to the seminiferous tubules. These cells secrete testosterone in response to the luteinizing hormone. Leydig cells have a large prominent nucleus and are polyhedral in shape. Apart from testosterone, Leydig cells also produce androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). In Leydig cell tumour, the Leydig cells may grow uncontrollably and secrete excess testosterone.