Conclusion
Local regulation of testicular function depends upon multiple interactions between testicularcells, some of them mediated by soluble factors (Fig. 2). Under physiological conditionsgonadotropins are required for testicular maturation and function, but the responsiveness ofsomatic testicular cells to these hormones is modulated by factors produced and acting withinthe testis. Moreover, the production of these factors, and sometimes the responsiveness oftesticular cells to these factors, are gonadotropin-dependent. While the paracrine regulation ofSertoli function by Leydig cells seems to be mediated mainly by a direct or indirect effects oftestosterone, several factors seem to be involved in the FSH-stimulated effects of Sertoli cellson Leydig cells. The nature of the factors implicated in Sertoli-germ cell interactions ispractically unknown. The amounts of these factors might be very low, although sufficient toact in a paracrine, autocrine, juxtracrine or cryptocrine manner, and their isolation andpurification would be a very difficult task.
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Abbreviations
- EGF::
-
epidermal growth factor
- FSH::
-
follicle-stimulating hormone
- GH::
-
growth hormone
- hCG::
-
human chorionic gonadotropin
- IGF-I::
-
insulin-like growth factor I
- LH::
-
luteinizing hormone
- TGF-α::
-
transforming growth factor α
- TGF-β::
-
transforming growth factor β
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