Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
11:11
Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes
Published on: February 8, 2016
Testis function in prepubertal boys and young men born small for gestational age
V H Boonstra1, R F A Weber, F H de Jong
1Division of Endocrinology, Department of Paediatrics, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. venje@tevreden.nl
Hormone Research
|October 28, 2008
Summary
Small for gestational age (SGA) birth does not impair Sertoli cell function. Young men born SGA exhibit normal gonadal hormone levels and a healthy hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Pediatric Endocrinology
Background:
- Studies suggest impaired gonadal function in males born small for gestational age (SGA).
- Sertoli cell function is crucial for male reproductive health.
- Investigating gonadal markers in SGA individuals is important for understanding long-term outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess Sertoli cell function in prepubertal boys and young men born SGA.
- To compare serum inhibin B and antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels between SGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) groups.
- To evaluate the impact of growth hormone (GH) treatment on gonadal markers in SGA individuals.
Main Methods:
- Serum inhibin B and AMH levels were measured in 73 prepubertal SGA boys and 72 AGA boys.
- 25 SGA boys were reassessed after 2 years of GH treatment.
- Hormonal profiles (inhibin B, AMH, testosterone, LH, FSH) were analyzed in young SGA men and AGA men.
Main Results:
- Prepubertal SGA boys and AGA boys showed similar inhibin B and AMH levels.
- GH treatment did not significantly alter inhibin B and AMH levels in SGA boys.
- Young SGA men displayed comparable levels of inhibin B, testosterone, LH, and FSH to AGA men, with higher AMH levels.
Conclusions:
- Being born small for gestational age does not appear to impair Sertoli cell function.
- Young men born SGA demonstrate a normal functioning hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis.
- Sertoli cell function is maintained in SGA individuals throughout development.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
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...
01:19Testes: Gross Anatomy
The testes, also known as testicles, are the male gonads. They are housed within the scrotum, a sac-like structure located beneath the penis. The scrotum's primary role is to regulate the temperature of the testes, which is crucial for sperm production.
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...
01:27Testes: Histology
A tough, fibrous membrane, the tunica albuginea, covers the testes, extending inward to form fibrous partitions or septa, dividing them into internal compartments called lobules. Each lobule has 1 to 3 tightly coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs. These tubules merge into a tubular network at the back of the testis, known as the rete testis. It connects to 15 to 20 efferent ductules, leading to the epididymis.
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
01:27Signs of Puberty
Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
02:19The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness
The Y chromosome is a sex chromosome found in several vertebrates and mammals, including humans. In addition to 22 pairs of autosomes, the human males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. In these organisms, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome determines the development of male traits.
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...
01:23Infertility in Males
Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...