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Hormonal Control of Spermatogenesis: by Abhinav Bhardwaj

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22 views10 pages

Hormonal Control of Spermatogenesis: by Abhinav Bhardwaj

Uploaded by

arthurggg429
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Hormonal Control of

Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis, the process of sperm production, is tightly regulated by a
complex interplay of hormones. This slide explores the key hormones
involved and their roles in ensuring the continuous and efficient generation of
male gametes.

by Abhinav Bhardwaj
Role of the Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is a small, but critical, region of the brain that plays a
central role in the hormonal control of spermatogenesis. It secretes
gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the anterior
pituitary gland to release the key reproductive hormones, luteinizing hormone
(LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Secretion of gonadotropin-releasing
hormone (GnRH)
Hypothalamus
1 The hypothalamus, a small region in the brain, produces and secretes gonadotropin-
releasing hormone (GnRH).

Pulsatile Release
2 GnRH is released from the hypothalamus in a pulsatile manner, with the frequency and
amplitude of these pulses regulated by various internal and external factors.

Stimulates Pituitary
The pulsatile release of GnRH travels to the anterior pituitary gland, where it stimulates the
3
production and secretion of two key hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-
stimulating hormone (FSH).
Stimulation of the Anterior Pituitary
Hormonal Cascade
GnRH Secretion This hormonal cascade from the hypothalamus
The hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin- to the pituitary is essential for regulating
releasing hormone (GnRH), which travels to the spermatogenesis and testosterone production
anterior pituitary gland. in the testes.

1 2 3

Pituitary Stimulation
GnRH binds to receptors on the anterior
pituitary, stimulating the release of two key
hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH) and
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Release of Luteinizing Hormone
(LH) and Follicle-Stimulating
Hormone (FSH)
Pituitary Gland LH Stimulation
The anterior pituitary gland releases two LH stimulates the Leydig cells in the
key hormones that regulate male testes to produce testosterone, the
reproductive function: luteinizing hormone primary male sex hormone.
(LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone
(FSH).

FSH Stimulation
FSH acts on the Sertoli cells in the testes to support and regulate the process of
spermatogenesis, the production of mature sperm cells.
Actions of LH on Leydig Cells
Luteinizing hormone (LH) released by the pituitary
gland acts on the Leydig cells within the testes. LH
binds to receptors on the Leydig cells, triggering a
signaling cascade that stimulates the production
and secretion of testosterone, the primary male
sex hormone.

Testosterone is essential for the development and


maintenance of male sexual characteristics, as
well as the regulation of spermatogenesis, the
process by which sperm cells are produced.
Testosterone Production

Leydig Cell Activation Testosterone Synthesis Testosterone Transport


LH binds to receptors on Leydig Leydig cells convert cholesterol Testosterone is transported in
cells in the testes, stimulating into testosterone through a the bloodstream, primarily bound
them to produce testosterone, series of enzymatic reactions, to sex hormone-binding globulin
the primary male sex hormone. providing a steady supply of this (SHBG) and albumin, ensuring its
crucial hormone. delivery to target tissues.
Actions of FSH on Sertoli Cells

Sertoli Cell Activation Nourishing Blood-Testis Barrier


Follicle-stimulating hormone Spermatogenesis Sertoli cells form tight junctions
(FSH) binds to receptors on Activated Sertoli cells secrete that create the blood-testis
Sertoli cells, stimulating their essential nutrients and growth barrier, isolating developing
proliferation and activation within factors that support the sperm cells from the body's
the seminiferous tubules. development and maturation of immune system.
spermatogenic cells.
Spermatogenesis and sperm maturation
Spermatogenesis
1
Sperm production in the testes

Sperm Maturation
2
Transformation into mature, motile sperm

Release of Sperm
3
Sperm transported to the epididymis

Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm production in the testes, driven by the actions of FSH on the
Sertoli cells. As the sperm mature, they undergo a complex transformation to become motile and capable
of fertilization. The mature sperm are then released from the seminiferous tubules and transported to the
epididymis for storage before ejaculation.
Feedback Mechanisms and Regulation
Negative Feedback Loops Hormonal Regulation
High levels of testosterone provide negative The delicate balance of LH, FSH, and testosterone
feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary, is crucial for the proper timing and progression of
reducing the secretion of GnRH, LH, and FSH. This spermatogenesis. Disruptions can lead to
helps maintain optimal hormone levels for infertility or other reproductive issues.
spermatogenesis.

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