Imatinib alters cell viability but not growth factors levels in TM4 Sertoli cells

The anticancer agent imatinib (IM) is a small molecular analog of
ATP that inhibits tyrosine kinase activity of platelet derived growth factors (PDGFs)
and stem cell factor (SCF) receptor in cancer cells. However these factors have a key
role in regulating growth and development of normal Sertoli, Leydig and germ
cells.
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine cell viability, PDGF and SCF
levels in mouse normal Sertoli cells exposed to IM.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the mouse TM4 Sertoli cells
were treated with 0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 μM IM for 2, 4 or 6 days. The cell viability
and growth factors levels were assessed by MTT and ELISA methods, respectively.
For statistical analysis, One-Way ANOVA was performed.
Results: IM showed significant decrease in Sertoli cell viability compared to control
group (p=0.001). However, IM increased PDGF and SCF level insignificantly
(p>0.05).
Conclusion: Results suggested that IM treatment induced a dose dependent
reduction of cell viability in Sertoli cells. It seems that treatment with this anticancer
drug is involved in the fertility process. Further studies are needed to evaluate the
role of PDGF and SCF in this cell