Effects of FSH, isoproterenol, and cyclic AMP on the production of lactate and pyruvate by cultured Sertoli cells

We have examined the hormonal regulation of the secretion of lactate and pyruvate from cultured rat Sertoli cells. FSH and isoproterenol caused 3-6-fold stimulation of lactate and pyruvate secretion, whereas ovine LH, TSH, and prolactin were ineffective. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (10(-4) M) stimulated the secretion of lactate and pyruvate to the same extent as FSH. Much lower stimulation was observed when Sertoli cells from 43-day old rats were exposed to FSH or isoproterenol. FSH increased lactate secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. The concentration of FSH (NIH-S14) causing half-maximal stimulation of lactate secretion (150 ng/ml) was similar to that causing 50% maximal stimulation of Sertoli cell adenylyl cyclase. Both FSH and isoproterenol caused a time-dependent increase in lactate levels in the incubation medium during the first 6-9 hr after the addition of hormones, after which levels were constant or decreased. Thus, the production of lactate and pyruvate by cultured Sertoli cells is stimulated both by FSH and isoproterenol and these effects are exerted via cyclic AMP