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. 2021 Jun 2;11(6):200322. doi: 10.1098/rsob.200322

Table 1.

Cellular and molecular similarities between human brain and testis.

brain testis
biochemical/physical support cells: astrocytes biochemical/physical support cells: Sertoli cells
high energy demands
metabolic cooperation: astrocytes produce lactate, which is used by neurons metabolic cooperation: Sertoli cells produce lactate, which is used by germ cells
dependence on selenium metabolism
high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids
highly susceptibility to oxidative damage
blood–brain barrier blood–testis barrier
neuroendocrine proprieties
cytoskeleton motors (kinesins and dyneins): essential role in neuronal function cytoskeleton motors (kinesins and dyneins): essential role in spermatogenesis