Abstract

The activity of the main enzymes of the gamma-glutamyl cycle, namely gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, 5-oxo-prolinase, and gamma-glutamyl cysteine synthetase, and level of reduced glutathione (GSH), were studied in cultures of Sertoli cells obtained from 10-, 18-, and 26-day-old rats. The activity of all enzymes and the level of GSH showed a significant increase related with the age of the Sertoli cell donor. FSH, but not testosterone stimulated the enzymes activities in all cultures. The gamma-glutamyl cycle, studied through the activity of its enzymes, is present in cultured Sertoli cell, influenced by the donor age and hormone regulated.