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The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model

A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model

Published on: February 6, 2018

Hormonal control of spermatogenesis.

R I McLachlan¹, N G Wreford, D M Robertson

¹Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research Clayton, Victoria, Australia.

Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM

|April 1, 1995

Summary

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T) are vital for sperm production. Sertoli cells mediate their effects on germ cells, as these hormones lack direct receptors on sperm cells.

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Step-specific Sorting of Mouse Spermatids by Flow Cytometry

Step-specific Sorting of Mouse Spermatids by Flow Cytometry

Published on: December 31, 2015

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Last Updated: Jul 6, 2026

A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model

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Published on: February 6, 2018

Step-specific Sorting of Mouse Spermatids by Flow Cytometry

Step-specific Sorting of Mouse Spermatids by Flow Cytometry

Published on: December 31, 2015

Area of Science:

Reproductive Endocrinology
Spermatogenesis Research
Endocrinology

Background:

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T) are crucial for spermatogenesis.
Germ cells lack direct receptors for FSH and T, indicating indirect mechanisms of action.
Sertoli cells possess receptors for both FSH and T, suggesting their role as intermediaries.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the mechanisms by which FSH and T influence germ cell development.
To understand the role of Sertoli cells in mediating hormonal effects on spermatogenesis.
To investigate the specific contributions of FSH and T to different stages of sperm production.

Main Methods:

This study focuses on the known interactions and cellular localization of hormone receptors.
The research synthesizes existing knowledge on FSH and T signaling pathways in the testis.
Analysis involves examining the synergistic and specific actions of these hormones on Sertoli and germ cells.

Main Results:

FSH and T exhibit synergistic effects on germ cells.
Testosterone (T) specifically impacts later stages of spermatid maturation.
FSH stimulates Sertoli cell mitosis during development, influencing adult testicular capacity.

Conclusions:

Sertoli cells are key mediators of FSH and T action on germ cells.
FSH and T play distinct yet cooperative roles in regulating spermatogenesis.
FSH influences the overall spermatogenic potential by affecting Sertoli cell proliferation.