Hormonal Regulation of Male Reproductive Function

What is ABP and the effect?

Androgen-binding protein. Under the influence of FSH and testosterone, Sertoli cells produce ABP that binds and maintains high testosterone levels near the spermatogenic cells.

How does testosterone and DHT affect male prenatal development?

Both bind to the same intranuclear receptors. Together the androgen's regulate male prenatal development and sexual characteristics.

What organs are involved in hormonal control of male reproductive functions?

Endocrine tissues: Hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary, and testis.

What is GnRH?

Gonadotropin releasing hormone secreted by certain neurosecretory cells. It is carried by the blood to the anterior pituitary. It then binds to receptors on gonadotrophs. It then stimulates gonadotroph cells to increase secretion of LH and FSH.

What effect does LH and FSH have on the testes?

Indirectly affect spermatogenesis.

Describe inhibin secretion.

It is delivered by the blood to the gonadotropic cells within the anterior pituitary. It acts on the gonadotrophs to reduce FSH secretion, decreasing the rate of spermatogenesis.

What effect does GnRH on the male anterior pituitary?

LH and FSH both are transported in the blood to the testes from the pituitary.

What is DHT?

Testosterone sos converted to dihydrostrosterone (DHT), another hormone that promotes sperm cell formation.

What affect does LH have on the testes?

They bind to receptors on Leydig cells between seminiferous tubules and stimulates the secretion of testosterone.