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Endocrine control of human spermatogenesis
1Geronotology Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98108.
Journal of Steroid Biochemistry
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are crucial for sperm production. While neither hormone alone ensures normal sperm counts, both are necessary for quantitatively normal spermatogenesis in men.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Male Reproductive Physiology
- Spermatogenesis Regulation
Background:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are key pituitary hormones regulating male reproductive functions.
- Spermatogenesis, the process of sperm production, is known to be influenced by gonadotropins, but their specific roles require further elucidation.
- Understanding the distinct and combined roles of FSH and LH is vital for diagnosing and treating male infertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent and combined roles of FSH and LH in regulating human spermatogenesis.
- To determine the minimum hormonal requirements for achieving qualitatively and quantitatively normal sperm production.
- To assess the impact of selective gonadotropin deficiency on sperm counts and spermatogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Induction of experimental gonadotropin deficiency in normal men using high-dose testosterone (T) enanthate.
- Selective replacement of LH activity using human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or human luteinizing hormone (hLH).
- Selective replacement of FSH activity using human follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH) or human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG).
- Induction of selective FSH deficiency by administering hCG, leading to high LH-like activity and suppressed FSH levels.
Main Results:
- Experimental gonadotropin deficiency suppressed spermatogenesis to oligospermic or azoospermic levels.
- Selective replacement of either LH or FSH activity increased sperm counts to 20-50 million/ml but did not achieve quantitatively normal spermatogenesis.
- Selective FSH deficiency (induced by hCG) also resulted in sperm production in the 20-50 million/ml range.
- FSH replacement in hCG-treated men normalized sperm production to control levels.
Conclusions:
- Neither FSH nor LH alone is sufficient for quantitatively normal spermatogenesis in men.
- Qualitatively normal spermatogenesis (sperm present) can occur with selective deficiency of either FSH or LH.
- Achieving quantitatively normal sperm production requires the presence of normal levels of both FSH and LH.