Name: Cindy Joy E.

Jabillo BS in Biology III

Course: Biol127n Developmental Biology

Assignment on Spermatogenesis

What is blood-testis-barrier and what is its importance? What would happen if it is

breached?

The seminiferous tubules of the testes and the blood arteries are physically
separated by the blood-testis barrier. The name is a little misleading because it refers to
a tight junction between Sertoli cells of the seminiferous tubules rather than a blood-
organ barrier. This is why the "Sertoli cell barrier" is another name for this barrier. The
barrier separates the blood's more advanced germ cells.

The blood-testis barrier's presence enables Sertoli cells to regulate the conditions
under which germ cells (such as spermatocytes, spermatids, and sperm) develop.
Additionally, it stops poisons from penetrating the seminiferous tubules, safeguarding
the developing germ cells. The fluid that fills the lumen of the seminiferous tubules is
distinct from the blood's plasma. It is primarily made up of androgens, estrogens, and
other chemicals, with very little protein and glucose. This particular chemical makeup is
preserved by the blood-testis barrier. There is a blood-testis barrier in every mammal.
When it initially appears in humans, around the age of 8, it is sparse. Then, around the
age of 11 or 12, it starts to truly come together. Any kind of disturbance to this protective
barrier, which is required for the production of sperm (i.e., spermatogenesis), could
result in male infertility.

It divides seminiferous tubules into the basal and the abluminal compartments. It is
formed by the sertoli cells. If this blood-testis barrier is breached then the sperms can
enter the bloodstream resulting in generation of an auto-immune response against the
sperms.