Male Reproductive Hormone

BIOCHEMISTRY
DEPARTMENT

REPRODUCTIVE HORMONES
PRODUCED IN THE MALE BODY
Pituitary gland produces both FSH and

LH
In response to: gonadotropin-releasing
hormone (GnRH)

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
synthesized in hypothalamus:
- carried to pituitary by hypophyseal portal
system

secreted in pulses:
- at 6090 minute intervals

Control rates of secretion of:

FSH and LH
testosterone (released in response to LH)

REPRODUCTIVE HORMONES
PRODUCED IN THE MALE BODY
FSH stimulates spermatogenesis
(production of sperm)
LH stimulates the secretion of
testosterone

Luteinizing Hormone
Targets interstitial cells of

testes
Induces secretion of:
testosterone
other androgens

FSH and Testosterone

Target cells of seminiferous tubules
These cells:
promote spermatogenesis and
spermiogenesis
secrete androgen-binding protein (ABP)

Negative Feedback
Spermatogenesis is

regulated by:
- GnRH, FSH, and inhibin

As spermatogenesis

accelerates:
inhibin secretion increases
Inhibin inhibits FSH
production:
Suppresses secretion of
GnRH at hypothalamus

Inhibin and FSH

Elevated FSH levels:
increase inhibin
production
until FSH returns to
normal

If FSH declines:
inhibin production falls
FSH production
increases

TESTES
Testosterone
Estrogen
Inhibin

SYNTHESIS

Mechanism of action

Functions of Testosterone
Stimulates spermatogenesis:
promoting functional maturation of
spermatozoa
Affects CNS function:
libido (sexual drive) and related behaviors

Est. male secondary sex characteristics:

distribution of facial hair
increased muscle mass and body size
characteristic adipose tissue deposits
Maintains accessory glands and organs

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