Hormonal Regulation of Sertoli Cell Function

Abstract

The differentiation which occurs in the process of spermatogenesis, i.e., the series of events whereby a primitive germ cell gives rise to a spermatozoon, appears to be controlled in part by hormones and in part by a programmed series of events (Steinberger and Steinberger, 1972; Clermont and Harvey, 1967; Chemes et al., 1979; Chowdhury and Tcholakian, 1979). Key steps in spermatocyte division and spermiation are influenced by FSH, qualitatively in the immature rat and quantitatively in the adult. The completion of meiosis is critically dependent in vivo upon testosterone (or LH). FSH and testosterone (T) are required for both the initiation of spermatogenesis in immature rats and its reinitiation after prolonged regression such as occurs in adults after hypophysectomy. In contrast, qualitative maintenance of spermatogenesis in the adult can be achieved with testosterone alone. Other conditions, such as Vitamin A or insulin deficiency, which also cause arrest of spermatogenesis, may be the result of direct influences on cells in the seminiferous epithelium or indirect influences via changes in T or FSH (Murray et al., 1981; Unni et al., 1983).