Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of iron overload on sertoli cells. Methods sertoli cells were isolated and cultured by adding iron dextran at different concentrations (50,100,200μmol/L ) for different lengths of time (24,48,72h). Iron overload was observed by microscopy and flow cytometry. ROS production was observed by flow cytometry. GSH and GSH-Px contents were determined by nitrobenzoic acid method.MDA content was measured by thiobarbituric acid way.NO and NOS contents were detected by nitrate reductase way.SOD content was examined by xanthine oxidase method.The expression levels of occluding,ABP,TRF,INH and VIM protein were observed by Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Results Compared with control group, the level of intracellular ROS, the contents of MDA, NO and NOS all significantly increased, with consequent decrease in the contents of SOD, GSH, GSH-Px (P＜0.01).The expressions of occluding,ABP,TRF,INH and VIM were also significantly decreased (P＜0.05).Conclusion Iron overload can induce oxidative damage of sertoli cells and weaken its function.

Key words: iron overload, Sertoli cell, mouse, ROS, oxidative damage