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Testosterone pp 143–168Cite as

The role of testosterone in spermatogenesis

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Abstract

The development of the male gamete is entirely dependent on the release of hypothalamic and pituitary factors (Fig. 4.1). Hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) binds to specific receptors on the pituitary gonadotrops and triggers the release of the gonadotropic hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones stimulate testicular functions, i.e. synthesis of testosterone and production of spermatozoa. LH acts on Leydig cells in the interstitial compartment whereas FSH acts on Sertoli cells in the tubular compartment of the testis. Testosterone, synthesized and released by Leydig cells, acts on peritubular cells and on Sertoli cells within the testis. Hence, testosterone is a potent endocrine and paracrine stimulator of spermatogenesis (Schlatt et al. 1997; Weinbauer and Nieschlag 1996 a). To ensure an adequate endocrine and local milieu compatible with male gametogenesis, testicular factors are secreted in the bloodstream and regulate GnRH and gonadotropin secretion.

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Authors
  1. Gerhard F. Weinbauer
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  2. Eberhard Nieschlag
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  1. Institute of Reproductive Medicine, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, D-48129, Münster, Germany

    Eberhard Nieschlag  & Hermann M. Behre  & 

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Weinbauer, G.F., Nieschlag, E. (1998). The role of testosterone in spermatogenesis. In: Nieschlag, E., Behre, H.M. (eds) Testosterone. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-72185-4_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-72185-4_4

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