New ionic targets of 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine at the plasma membrane of rat Sertoli cells.

The functions of Sertoli cells, which structurally and functionally support ongoing spermatogenesis, are effectively modulated by thyroid hormones, amongst other molecules. We investigated the mechanism of action of rT on calcium (Ca) uptake in Sertoli cells by means of in vitro acute incubation. In addition, we performed electrophysiological recordings of potassium efflux in order to understand the cell repolarization, coupled to the calcium uptake triggered by rT.