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09:40
A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model
Published on: February 6, 2018
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Hormonal control of germ cell development and spermatogenesis
1Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, The University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology
|March 7, 2014
Summary
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and androgens optimize male fertility by regulating germ cell development and survival. While FSH boosts germ cell numbers, androgens are crucial for meiosis completion and spermiation, with both hormones acting synergistically.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Spermatogenesis, the process of male gamete formation, is critically dependent on pituitary hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and androgens.
- The dual hormonal control of spermatogenesis has been recognized for decades, but recent research elucidates the specific roles of FSH and androgens in regulating distinct stages of germ cell development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the precise roles of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and androgens in regulating spermatogenesis.
- To understand the synergistic effects of FSH and androgens on germ cell proliferation, meiosis, and spermiation.
- To investigate the cellular targets and mechanisms of hormonal action in the seminiferous epithelium.
Main Methods:
- Utilized transgenic mouse models to investigate the functions of FSH and androgens.
- Analyzed the effects of hormone deficiencies and receptor knockouts on germ cell development and fertility.
- Examined the cellular responses within Sertoli cells and peritubular myoid cells to hormonal stimulation.
Main Results:
- FSH and androgens limit germ cell apoptosis post-puberty and FSH increases spermatogonial and spermatocyte numbers, optimizing germ cell production.
- Androgens are essential for spermatogonial proliferation, completion of meiosis by spermatocytes, and spermiation, with androgen receptor deficiency leading to infertility.
- Synergistic action of FSH and androgens maximizes germ cell numbers, while activins and estrogens may also play regulatory roles, though their functions require further elucidation.
Conclusions:
- FSH and androgens are key regulators of spermatogenesis, each with distinct but complementary roles.
- Androgens are indispensable for male fertility, particularly for post-meiotic germ cell development.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the molecular mechanisms underlying hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis.
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