Endocrine: Male
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- Where can Sertoli cells be found and what do they form?
- In the seminiferous tubules. Tight junctions btwn adjacent cells form the blood-testis barrier.
- What 2 hormones stimulate Sertoli cells?
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FSH: grow and secrete spermatogenic substances
TST: strong trophic effect - What is the main function of Sertoli cells?
- Support spermatogenesis.
- What are androgen binding proteins (ABP)?
- They are synthesized by the Sertoli cells under FSH stimulation. They allow the local accumulation of TST.
- What stimulates the release of LH and FSH from the anterior pituitary?
- GnRH, released by the hypothalamus.
- What are 5 general functions of androgens?
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1.Regulate release of hormones from ant. pituitary and hypothalamus
2.Support of spermatogenesis
3.Regulation of sexual behavior
4.Development of the male phenotype
5.Sexual maturation - What is the effect of LH on Leydig cells?
- Stimulates TST production. Also exerts a trophic effect and is req'd for maintenance of cell function
- Where do Leydig cells reside?
- In the interstitium of the testes, scattered in the CT surrounding each tubule
- Where is inhibin produced? What does it do?
- It is produced in the Sertoli cells and acts on the ant. pituitary to inhibit FSH release.
- What other hormones does TST regulate and how?
- It inhibits the release of GnRH from the hypothalamus, the release of LH from the ant. pituitary, and to a small degree the release of FSH from the ant. pituitary
- What is the mitotic status of Sertoli cells?
- They are post-mitotic and unable to divide.
- What are 4 effects of FSH on Sertoli cells?
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1.Induces P450 aromatase
2.Cell proliferation (during devlopment and before puberty)
3.Stimulates synthesis of inhibin
4.Stimulates synthesis of ABP - What is the function of Leydig cells?
- Production of steroid hormones, namely TST
- What are 2 things that can happen to TST in the periphery?
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1.Conversion to DHT by 5-a reductase
2.Conversion to estradiol by aromatase - What is DHT?
- It has similar effects to TST, but at a different magnitude.
- What happens to TST in the Sertoli cells?
- Some remains local by binding ABP, some is converted to estradiol by P450 aromatase.