Sustentacular cell

A sustentacular cell is a type of cell primarily associated with structural support, they can be found in various tissues.[1]

• Sustentacular cells of the olfactory epithelium (also called supporting cells) have been shown to be involved in the phagocytosis of dead neurons,[2] odorant transformation[3] and xenobiotic metabolism.[4]
• One type of sustentacular cell is the Sertoli cell, in the testicle. It is located in the walls of the seminiferous tubules and supplies nutrients to sperm.[5] They are responsible for the differentiation of spermatids, the maintenance of the blood-testis barrier, and the secretion of inhibin, androgen-binding protein and Mullerian-inhibiting factor.
• The organ of Corti in the inner ear and taste buds also contain sustentacular cells.
• Another type of sustentacular cell is found with glomus cells of the carotid and aortic bodies.
• About 40% of carcinoids have a scattering of sustentacular cells, which stain positive for S-100.[6]

Micrograph highlighting the sustentacular cells in a paraganglioma. S100 immunostain