In human Sertoli cell preparations obtained from healthy men (mean age 31.8 +/- 6.8 years; n = 6), we have measured the productions of lactate, 17 beta-oestradiol, transferrin and inhibin between day 4 and day 5 after plating, either in the presence or absence (hypotonic treatment of plated cells on day 2) of germ cells. The results, expressed per 10(6) of cells plated/24 h, showed that lactate production was unchanged, whether or not germ cells were present. However, if we calculated the lactate production per mg protein/24 h, the lactate output was decreased (30-60%) in the presence of germ cells. Whatever the mode of expression, Sertoli cell 17 beta-oestradiol synthesis was diminished 1.5-fold in the presence of germ cells. Conversely, the transferrin output was increased 3.2-fold in non-treated Sertoli cell preparations when compared to the hypotonic-treated plates. A similar observation was recorded for the in-vitro production of inhibin by Sertoli cells, which was enhanced 1.4-fold when germ cells were present. These results, together with a likely potentializing role of germ cells on follicle stimulating hormone control of Sertoli cell function, strongly suggest that germ cells exert both stimulatory and inhibitory effects in regulating human Sertoli cell function through either direct contact and/or via secreted factors.