You are on page 1of 16

(Hormone Function)

Hormones of brain-testicular axis

anterior pituitary drives changes during puberty controlled by GnRH from hypothalamus begins to secrete FSH, LH LH targets interstitial endocrinocytes testosterone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) FSH - Sustentacular cells Androgen-binding protein (ABP) concentrates androgens for spermatids Inhibin negative feedback to the pituitary and hypothalamus

Hormones of brain-testicular axis

Development testosterone stimulates pattern development before birth (internal ducts) DHT external genitals Testosterone converted to estrogens in brain brain development Puberty testosterone & DHT stimulate enlargement of male sex organs and secondary sexual characteristics

Onset of Puberty
FSH and LH secretion is high in newborn, but falls to low levels in few weeks. At puberty:

Brain

maturation increases GnRH secretion. Decreased sensitivity of gonadotropin to negative feedback.

During late puberty, pulsatile secretion of LH and FSH increase during sleep.
Stimulate

a rise in sex steroid secretion.

Onset of Puberty

(continued)

Stimulates rise in testosterone and estradiol-17b.

Insert fig. 20.10

Produce secondary sexual characteristics.

Age of onset related to the % of body fat and physical activity in the female Leptin secretion from adipocytes may be required for puberty.

Male Reproductive System

Testes:

Seminiferous tubules:

Contain receptor proteins for FSH in Sertoli cells. FSH stimulates spermatogenesis to occur. LH stimulates secretion of testosterone. Contain receptor proteins for LH.

Insert fig. 20.12

Leydig cells:

Control of LH and FSH Secretion

Negative feedback:

Testosterone inhibits LH and GnRH production.

Maintain relatively constant secretion of LH and FSH.


Declines gradually in men over 50 years of age. Testosterone converted to DHT, which inhibits LH.

Insert fig. 20.13

Inhibin inhibits FSH secretion.

Aromatization reaction producing estradiol in the brain, is required for the negative feedback effects.

Endocrine Function of the Testes

Testosterone and its derivatives are responsible for initiation and maintenance of body changes in puberty.

Insert fig. 20.15

Stimulate growth of muscles, larynx, and bone growth until sealing of the epiphyseal discs.

Promote hemoglobin synthesis. Act in paracrine fashion, responsible for spermatogenesis.

Testosterone:

Sources: Interstitial Cells in Testes


Targets

& Functions:

Body in general
Stimulates the development of male secondary sexual characteristics including: development of male genitalia male skeleton and muscle development male patterns for hair growth increased RBC production & higher metabolic rate

Seminiferous tubules

Necessary for the completion of spermatogenesis


Moderate inhibition of pituitary and hypothalamus

Anterior Pituitary

Sertoli Cells

Form blood-testes barrier:


Prevents

autoimmune destruction of sperm. Produce FAS ligand which binds to the FAS receptor on surface to T lymphocytes, triggering apoptosis of T lymphocytes.

immune attack. Secrete inhibin. Phagocytize residual bodies:


May

Prevents

transmit information molecules from germ cells to Sertoli cells. to testosterone and concentrates testosterone in the tubules.

Secrete androgen-binding protein (ABP):


Binds

Leydig Cells
produce/secrete testosterone

located outside seminiferous tubules


active in fetus till birth, puberty onward some testosterone converted to estradiol

Effects of Testosterone
At puberty testosterone prompts spermatogenesis Causes reproductive organs to grow & assume adult functions As adult normal levels of testosterone are required to maintain normal structure & function of reproductive organ

Testosterone
develop/maintain secondary sex characteristics : - mental, hair growth, larynx, muscles metabolism anabolic inhibit pituitary LH secretion

Estrogen Secretion

Sertoli and Leydig cells secrete small amounts of estradiol.


Receptors

found in Sertoli and Leydig cells and accessory organs.

May be responsible for: Negative feedback in brain. Sealing of epiphyseal plates. Regulatory function in fertility.

Hormonal Control of Spermatogenesis

Formation of primary spermatocytes and entry into early prophase I, begin during embryonic development. Spermatogenesis arrested until puberty. Testosterone required for completion of meiosis and spermatid maturation. Secrete paracrine regulators: IGF-1. Inhibin. Transforming growth factor. FSH necessary in the later stages of spermatid maturation.

Thank you!

You might also like