Title: Frontiers | Role of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in Spermatogenesis | Endocrinology
Headings: Role of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in Spermatogenesis
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Role of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in Spermatogenesis
Introduction
General Principles of Regulation of Spermatogenesis
FSH is an Important Regulator of Sertoli Cell Proliferation
FSH Supports Spermatogenesis Quantitatively in Rodents
The Conundrum of the Role of FSH Deficiency in Human Spermatogenesis
Excessive FSH Action has Minor Influence on Testis Development and Function
FSH Regulates Genes Involved in Proliferation, Structure, and Function of Sertoli Cells
High Intratesticular T Concentration may not be Essential for Complete Spermatogenesis
LH/T Regulation of Spermatogenesis can be Replaced by Strong FSHR Activation
Summary and Clinical Implications
Author Contributions
Funding
Conflict of Interest Statement
Abbreviations
References

Content: In the male they concern the maintenance of testicular testosterone (T) production and spermatogenesis by the two pituitary gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The testicular target cells of LH are the Leydig cells present in the interstitial space, and those of FSH are the Sertoli cells present in the seminiferous tubules. LH stimulates Leydig cell T production, and FSH stimulates in Sertoli cells, in synergy with T, the production of regulatory molecules and nutrients needed for the maintenance of spermatogenesis. Hence, both T and FSH regulate spermatogenesis indirectly through Sertoli cells. Although the principles of the hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis have been established decades ago, the recently acquired genetic information, in particular from human mutations of gonadotropin and gonadotropin receptor genes, and from genetically modified mouse models, have advanced our knowledge about the molecular events involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis. In this article, we review this information and describe some of our own studies on genetically modified mice, that reveal some new aspects of these regulatory events. Some of this information challenges the basic principles of the hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis, sheds light on its pathogenetic mechanisms, and offers new leads into its treatment. General Principles of Regulation of Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is a complex and orderly sequence of events, during which diploid spermatogonia proliferate and differentiate into haploid spermatozoa in testicular seminiferous tubules ( 1, 2 ). In seminiferous tubules, the somatic Sertoli cells extend from the base of the tubule to its lumen and form a niche for germ cell maturation supporting the process qualitatively and quantitatively ( 1, 3 – 5 ). Sertoli cells also send signals, including paracrine factors and nutrients, to the germ cells.