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Related Concept Videos

Spermatogenesis01:41

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...
Spermatogenesis01:22

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is a complex process that involves the development of sperm cells from undifferentiated stem cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. The process is essential for the production of mature and functional sperm cells that are capable of fertilizing an egg.
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
Testosterone: Functions and Regulation01:26

Testosterone: 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...
The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness02:19

The 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,...
Infertility in Males01:23

Infertility 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...
Sperm Transport01:15

Sperm Transport

The journey of sperm from its origin to the point of ejaculation begins within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Here, Sertoli cells produce fluid that propels non-motile sperm through a series of conduits, starting with the straight tubules leading to the rete testis. This interconnected network of tubules acts as the initial pathway for sperm, guiding them into the efferent ductules and then into the epididymis for maturation.
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...

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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
13:04

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells

Published on: May 16, 2019

Zinc is an essential trace element for spermatogenesis.

Sonoko Yamaguchi1, Chiemi Miura, Kazuya Kikuchi

  • 1Research Group for Reproductive Physiology, South Ehime Fisheries Research Center, Ehime University, Ainan, Ehime 798-4131, Japan.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|June 23, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Zinc is essential for male reproduction, supporting germ cell maintenance and sperm motility. This study shows zinc is crucial for spermatogenesis progression and sperm function in Japanese eels.

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Characterizing Mammalian Zinc Transporters Using an In Vitro Zinc Transport Assay
07:55

Characterizing Mammalian Zinc Transporters Using an In Vitro Zinc Transport Assay

Published on: June 2, 2023

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Last Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
13:04

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells

Published on: May 16, 2019

Characterizing Mammalian Zinc Transporters Using an In Vitro Zinc Transport Assay
07:55

Characterizing Mammalian Zinc Transporters Using an In Vitro Zinc Transport Assay

Published on: June 2, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Trace Element Metabolism
  • Fish Physiology

Background:

  • Zinc (Zn) is vital for biological functions, but its role in spermatogenesis is not well understood.
  • Spermatogenesis is a complex process involving germ cell development and differentiation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function of zinc in spermatogenesis in the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica).
  • To determine the effects of zinc deficiency on germ cell maintenance, proliferation, and sperm motility.

Main Methods:

  • Induction of spermatogenesis using human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection.
  • Measurement of zinc concentration in testicular tissue.
  • Zn-specific fluorescent probe staining of testicular cells.
  • In vitro testicular organ culture with zinc chelation (TPEN) and supplementation.
  • Hormonal induction of germ cell proliferation (KT, DHP, E2).
  • Assessment of sperm motility.

Main Results:

  • Testicular zinc levels increased with spermatogenesis progression.
  • Zinc accumulated in germ cell mitochondria, particularly spermatogonia and spermatozoa.
  • Zinc deficiency induced germ cell apoptosis, which was rescued by zinc addition.
  • Zinc deficiency inhibited hormone-induced germ cell proliferation.
  • Zinc deficiency reduced sperm motility, an effect reversed by zinc co-treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Zinc is an essential trace element for maintaining germ cells during spermatogenesis.
  • Zinc plays a critical role in regulating sperm motility.
  • Adequate zinc levels are necessary for successful male reproduction in Japanese eels.