Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Andrology pp 11–59Cite as

Physiology of Testicular Function

  • Chapter

The testes produce the male gametes and the male sexual hormones (androgens). The term spermatogenesis describes and includes all the processes involved in the production of gametes, whereas steroidogenesis refers to the enzymatic reactions leading to the production of male steroid hormones. Spermatogenesis and steroido-genesis take place in two compartments morphologically and functionally distinguishable from each other. These are the tubular compartment, consisting of the seminiferous tubules (tubuli seminiferi) and the interstitial compartment (interstitium) between the seminiferous tubules (Figs. 2.1 and 2.2). Although anatomically separate, both compartments are closely connected with each other. For quantitatively and qualitatively normal production of sperm the integrity of both compartments is necessary. The function of the testis and thereby also the function of its compartments are governed by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland (endocrine regulation). These endocrine effects are mediated and modulated at the testicular level by local control mechanisms (paracrine and autocrine factors).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   109.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Alastalo TP, Lonnstrom M, Leppa S, Kaarniranta K, Pelto-Huikko M, Sistonen L, Parvinen M (1998) Stage-specific expression and cellular localization of the heat shock factor 2 isoforms in the rat seminiferous epithelium. Exp Cell Res 240:16–27

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Albrecht M, Frungieri MB, Gonzalez-Calvar S, Meineke V, Köhn FM, Mayerhofer A (2005) Evidence for a histaminer-gic system in the human testis. Fertil Steril 83:1060–1063

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Albrecht M, Rämsch R, Köhn FM, Schwarzer JU, Mayerhofer A (2006) Isolation and cultivation of human peritubular cells: A novel model for investigation of fibrotic processes in the human testis and male infertility. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 81:1956–1960

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Amann RP (2008) The cycle of the seminiferous epithelium: A need to revisit? J Androl 29:469–487

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Amory JK, Page ST, Anawalt BD, Coviello AD, Matsumoto AM, Bremner WJ (2007a) Elevated end-of-treatment serum INSL3 is associated with failure to completely suppress spermatogenesis in men receiving male hormonal contraception. J Androl 28:548–554

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Amory K, Wang C, Swerdlof RS, Anawalt BD, Matsumoto AM, Bremner WJ, Walker SE, Haberer LJ, Clark RV (2007b) The effect of 5α-reductase inhibition with dutasteride and finas-teride on semen parameters and serum hormones in healthy men. J Clin Metab Endocrinol 92:1659–1665

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anand-Ivell RJK, Relan V, Balvers M, Coiffec-Dorval I, Fritsch M, Bathgate RAD, Ivell R (2006) Expression of the insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) hormone-receptor (LGR8) system in the testis. Biol Reprod 74:945–953

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Apa DD, Cayan S, Polat A, Akbay E (2002) Mast cells and fibro-sis on testicular biopsies in male infertility. Arch Androl 48:337–344

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Asatiani K, von Eckardstein S, Simoni M, Gromoll J, Nieschlag E (2003) CAG repeat length in the androgen receptor gene affects the risk of male infertility. Int J Androl 26:255–261

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Aslam H, Rosiepen G, Krishnamurthy H, Arslan M, Clemen G, Nieschlag E, Weinbauer GF (1999) The cycle duration of the seminiferous epithelium remains unaltered during GnRH antagonist-induced testicular involution in rats and monkeys. J Endocrinol 161:281–288

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bay K, Ivell R, Schumacher M, Jürgensen D, Jorgensen N, Holm M, Skakkebaek NE, Andersson AM (2005) Insulinlike factor 3 serum levels in 135 normal men and 85 men with testicular disorders. Relationship to the luteinizing hormone-testosterone axis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 90:3410–3418

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bay K, Matthiesson KL, McLachlan RI, Andersson AM (2006) The effects of gonadotropin suppression and selective replacement on insulin-like factor 3 secretion in normal adult men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 91:1108–1111

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Berensztein EB, Baquedano MS, Gonzalez CR, Saraco NI, Rodriguez J, Ponzio R, Rivarola MA, Belgorosky A (2006) Expression of aromatase, estrogen receptor α and β, andro-gen receptor, and cytochrome P-450 in the human early pre-pubertal testis. Ped Res 60:740–744

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bertrand S, Brunet FG, Escriva H, Parmentier G, Laudet V, Robinson-Rechavi M (2004) Evolutionary genomics of nuclear receptors: From twenty-five ancestral genes to derived endocrine systems. Mol Biol Evol 21:1923–1937

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Boepple PA, Hayes FJ, Dwyer AA, Raivio T, Lee H, Crowley WF Jr, Pitteloud N (2008) Relative roles of inhibin B and sex steroids in the negative feedback regulation of follicle-stimulating hormone in men across the full spectrum of seminiferous epithelium function. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 93:1809–1814

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Boime I, Ben-Menahem D (1999) Gycoprotein hormone structure-function and analog design. Recent Prog Horm Res 54:271–288

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bose M, Whittal RM, Miller WL, Bose HS (2008) Steroidogenic activity of StAR requires contact with mitochondrial VDAC1 and PCP. J Biol Chem 283:8837–8845

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bouloux PMG, Nieschlag E, Burger HG, Skakkebaek NE, Wu FCW, Handelsman DJ, Baker GHW, Ochsenkühn R, Syska A, McLachlan RI, Giwercman A, Conway AJ, Turner L, van Kuijk JHM, Voortman G (2003) Induction of spermatogenesis by recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (Puregon) in hypogonadotropic azoospermic men who failed to respond to human chorionic gonadotropin alone. J Androl 24:604–611

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brehm R, Zeiler M, Rüttinger C, Herde K, Kibschull M, Winterhager E, Willecke K, Guillou F, Lecureuil C, Steger K, Konrad L, Biermann K, Failing K, Bergmann M (2007) A sertoli cell-specific knockout of connexin43 prevents initiation of spermatogenesis. Am J Pathol 171:19–31

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Burger LL, Haisenleder DJ, Dalkin AC, Marshall JC (2004) Regulation of gonadotropin subunit gene transcription. J Mol Endocrinol 33:559–584

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carreau S, Delalande C, Silandre D, Bourguiba S, Lambard S (2006) Aromatase and estrogen receptors in male reproduction. Mol Cell Endocrinol 246:65–68

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cayan S, Apa DD, Akbay E (2002) Effect of fexofenadine, a mast cell blocker, in infertile men with significantly increased testicular mast cells. Asian J Androl 4:291–294

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chang C, Chen YT, Yeh SD, Xu Q, Wang RS, Guillou F, Lardy H, Yeh S (2004) Infertility with defective spermatogenesis and hypotestosteronemia in male mice lacking the androgen receptor in Sertoli cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 101:6876–81

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng CK, Leung PC (2005) Molecular biology of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-I, GnRH-II, and their receptors in humans. Endocr Rev 26:283–306

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Claassen H, Monig H, Sel S, Werner JA, Paulsen F (2006) Androgen receptors and gender-specific distribution of alkaline phosphatase in human thyroid cartilage. Histochem Cell Biol 126:381–388

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Coviello AD, Matsumoto AM, Bremner WJ, herbst KL, Amory JK, Anawalt BD, Sutton PR, Wright WW, Brown TR, Yan X, Zirkin BR, Jarow JP (2005) Low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin maintains intratesticular testosterone in normal men with testosterone-induced gonadotropin suppression. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 90:2595–2602

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • d'Anglemont de Tassigny X, Fagg LA, Dixon JP, Day K, Leitch HG, Hendrick AG, Zahn D, Franceschini I, Caraty A, Carlton MB, Aparicio SA, Colledge WH (2007) Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in mice lacking a functional Kiss1 gene. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 104:10714–10719

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • de Rooij DG (1998) Stem cells in the testis. Int J Exp Pathol 79:67–80

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • De Roux N, Genin E, Carel JC, Matsuda F, Chaussain JL, Milgrom E (2003) Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism due to loss of function of the KiSS1-derived peptide receptor GPR54. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 100:10972–10976

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Devi YS, Sarda K, Stephen B, Nagarajan P, Majumdar SS (2006) Follicle-stimulating hormone-independent functions of primate Sertoli cells: Potential implications in the diagnosis and management of male infertility. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 91:1062–1068

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dube E, Chan PTK, Hermo L, Cyr DG (2007) Gene expression profiling and its relevance to the blood-testis-barrier in the human epididymis. Biol Reprod 76:1034–1044

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dufourny L, Caraty A, Clarke IJ, Robinson JE, Skinner DC (2005)Progesterone-receptive dopaminergic and neuropep-tide Y neurons project from the arcuate nucleus to gonado-tropin-releasing hormone-rich regions of the ovine preoptic area. Neuroendocrinology 82:21–31

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eacker SM, Agrawal N, Qian K, Dichek HL, Gong EY, Lee K, Braun RE (2008) Hormonal regulation of testicular steroid and cholesterol homeostasis. Mol Endocrinol 22:623–635

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ehmcke J, Schlatt S (2006) A revised model for spermatogonial expansion in man: lessons from non-human primates. Reproduction 132:673–680

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ehmcke J, Luetjens CM, Schlatt S (2005) Clonal organization of proliferating spermatogonial stem cells in adult males of two species of non-human primates, Macaca mulattaand Callithrix jacchus. Biol Reprod 72:293–300

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ehmcke J, Wistuba J, Schlatt S (2006) Spermatogonial stem cells: Questions, models and perspectives. Hum Reprod Update 12:275–282

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Elhija MA, Potashnik H, Lunenfeld E, Potashnik G, Schlatt S, Nieschlag E, Huleihel M (2005) Testicular interleukin-6 response to systemic inflammation. Eur Cytokine Netw 16:167–172

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Emmen JM, McLuskey A, Adham IM, Engel W, Grootegoed JA, Brinkmann AO (2000) Hormonal control of gubernaculum development during testis descent: Gubernaculum outgrowth in vitro requires both insulin-like factor and androgen. Endocrinology 141:4720–4727

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ergün S, Stingl J, Holstein AF (1994a) Segmental angioarchitec-ture of the testicular lobes in man. Andrologia 26:143–150

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ergün S, Stingl J, Holstein AF (1994b) Microvasculature of the human testis in correlation to Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules. Andrologia 26:255–262

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Evans JJ (1999) Modulation of gonadotropin levels by peptides acting at the anterior pituitary gland. Endocr Rev 20:46–67

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Falardeau J, Chung WC, Beenken A, Raivio T, Plummer L, Sidis Y, Jacobson-Dickman EE, Eliseenkova AV, Ma J, Dwyer A, Quinton R, Na S, Hall JE, Huot C, Alois N, Pearce SH, Cole LW, Hughes V, Mohammadi M, Tsai P, Pitteloud N (2008) Decreased FGF8 signaling causes deficiency of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in humans and mice. J Clin Invest [Epub ahead of print]

    Google Scholar 

  • Fan QR, Hendrickson WA (2005) Structure of human follicle-stimulating hormone in complex with its receptor. Nature 433:269–277

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Feng S, Bogatcheva NV, Truong A, Engel W, Adham IM, Agoulnik AI (2006) Over expression of insulin-like 3 does not prevent cryptorchidism in GNRHR or HOXA10 defi-cient mice. J Urol 176:399–404

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ferlin A, Arredi B, Zuccarello D, Garolla A, Selice R, Foresta C (2006)Paracrine and endocrine roles of insulin-like factor 3. J Endocrinol Invest 29:657–664

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ferris HA, Shupnik MA (2006) Mechanisms for pulsatile regulation of the gonadotropin subunit genes by GNRH1. Biol Reprod 74:993–998

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fijak M, Meinhardt A (2006) The testis immune privilege. Immunol Rev 213:66–81

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Foresta C, Bettella A, Vinanzi C, Dabrilli P, Meriggiola MC, Garolla A, Ferlin A (2004) A novel circulating hormone of tes-tis origin in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 89:5952–5958

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Franca LR, Ogawa T, Avarbock MR, Brinster RL, Russell LD (1998) Germ cell genotype controls cell cycle during sper-matogenesis in the rat. Biol Reprod 59:1371–1377

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Garone LM, Ammannati E, Brush TS, Fischer DJ, Tos EG, Luo J, Altobello KL, Ciampolillo C, Ihley TM, Kurosawa E, Tiebout A, McKenna S (2006) Biological properties of a novel follicle-stimulating hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin chimeric gonadotropin. Endocrinology 147:4205–42012

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ge R, Hardy MP (2007) Regulation of Leydig cells during pubertal development. In: Payne AH, Hardy MP (eds) The Leydig cell in health and disease. Humana Press, Totowa, pp 55–70

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Gilfillan AM, Tkaczyk C (2006) Integrated signalling pathways for mast-cell activation. Nat Rev Immunol 6:218–230

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gores PF, Hayes DH, Copeland MJ, Korbutt GS, Halberstadt C, Kirkpatrick SA, Rajotte RV (2003) Long-term survival of intratesticular porcine islets in nonimmunosuppressed beagles. Transplantation 75:613–618

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grigorova M, Punab M, Ausmees K, Laan M (2008) FSHB promoter polymorphism within evolutionary conserved element is associated with serum FSH level in men. Hum Reprod 23:2160–2166

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gromoll J, Simoni M (2005) Genetic complexity of FSH receptor function.Trends Endocrinol Metab 16:368–373

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gromoll J, Simoni M, Nieschlag E (1996) An activating mutation of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor autonomously sustains spermatogenesis in a hypophysectomized man. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 81:1367–1370

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hales DB (2007) Regulation of Leydig cell functions as it pertains to the inflammatory response. In: Payne AH, Hardy MP (eds) The Leydig cell in health and disease. Humana Press, Totowa, pp 305–322

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Hammes A, Andreassen TK, Spoelgen R, Raila J, Hubner N, Schulz H, Metzger J, Schweigert FJ, Luppa PB, Nykjaer A, Willnow TE (2005) Role of endocytosis in cellular uptake of sex steroids. Cell 122:751–762

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hayes FJ, Crowley WF Jr (1998) Gonadotropin pulsations across development. Horm Res 49:163–168

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hedger MP (2002) Marcophages and the immune responsiveness of the testis. J Reprod Immunol 57:19–34

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hibi H, Kato K, Mitsui K, Taki T, Yamada Y, Honda N, Fukatsu H, Yamamoto M (2002) Treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia with tranilast, a mast cell blocker, after long-term administration. Arch Androl 48:451–459

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Holstein AF, Maekawa M, Nagano T, Davidoff MS (1996) Myofibroblasts in the lamina propria of human seminiferous tubules are dynamic structures of heterogenous phenotype. Arch Histol Cytol 59:109–125

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Huhtaniemi I (1996) Ontogeny of the luteinizing hormone action in the male. In: Payne ADH, Hardy MP, Russell LD (eds) The Leydig Cell. Cache River Press, Vienna, pp 365–382

    Google Scholar 

  • Huhtaniemi I, Jiang M, Nilsson C, Petterson K (1999) Mutations and polymorphisms in gonadotropin genes. Mol Cell Endocrinol 151:89–94

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Isaac JR, Skinner S, Elliot R, Salto-Tellez M, Garkavenko O, Khoo A, Lee KO, Calne R, Wang DZ (2005) Transplantation of neonatal porcine islets and sertoli cells into nonim-munosuppressed nonhuman primates. Transplant Proc 37:487–488

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jarow JP, Chen H, rosner TW, Trentacoste S, Zirkin BR (2001) Assessment of the androgen environment within the human testis: Minimally invasive method to obtain intratesticular fluid. J Androl 22:640–645

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jia Y, Hikim AP, Lue YH, Swerdloff RS, Vera Y, Zhang XS, Hu ZY, Li YC, Liu YX, Wang C (2007) Signaling pathways for germ cell death in adult cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) induced by mild testicular hyperthermia and exogenous testosterone treatment. Biol Reprod 77:83–92

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson L, McKenzie KS, Snell JR (1996) Partial wave in human seminiferous tubules appears to be a random occurrence. Tissue Cell 28:127–136

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Junaidi A, Luetjens CM, Wistuba J, Kamischke A, Yeung CH, Simoni M, Nieschlag E (2005) Norethisterone enanthate has neither a direct effect on the testis nor on the epididymis: A study in adult male cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicu-laris). Eur J Endocrinol 152:655–661

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jung A, Schuppe HC (2007) Influence of genital heat stress on semen quality in humans. Andrologia 39:203–215

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kinniburgh D, Anderson RA, Baird DT (2001) Suppression of spermatogenesis with desogestrel and testosterone pellets is not enhanced by addition of finasteride. J Androl 22:88–95

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kim SH, Hu Y, Cadman S, Bouloux P (2008) Diversity in fibro-blast growth factor receptor 1 regulation: Learning from the investigation of Kallmann syndrome. J Neuroendocrinol 20:141–163

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kishimoto M, Fujiki R, Takezawa S, Sasaki Y, Nakamura T, Yamaoka K, Kitagawa H, Kato S (2006) Nuclear receptor mediated gene regulation through chromatin remodeling and histone modifications. Endocr J 53:157–172

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kossack N, Simoni M, Richter-Unruh A, Themmen AP, Gromoll J (2008) Mutations in a novel, cryptic exon of the luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor gene cause male pseudohermaphroditism. PLoS Med 5:e88

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Laron Z, Klinger B (1998) Effect of insulin-like growth factor –I on serum androgens and testicular and penile size in males with Laron syndrome (primary growth hormone resistance). Eur J Endocrinol 138:176–180

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lei ZM, Mishra S, Zou W, Xu M, Foltz M, Li X, Rao CV (2001) Targeted disruption of luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin receptor gene. Mol Endocrinol 15:184–200

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lerchl A, Keck C, Spiteri-Grech J, Nieschlag E (1993) Diurnal variations in scrotal temperature of normal men and patients with varicocele before and after treatment. Int J Androl 16:195–200

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Levalle O, Zylbersztein C, Aszpis S, Aquilano D, Terradas C, Colombani M, Aranda C, Scaglia H (1998) Recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone administration increases testosterone production in men, possibly by a Sertoli cell-secreted nonsteroid factor. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 83:3973–3976

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Li C, Chen P, Smith MS (1999) Morphological evidence for direct interaction between arcuate nucleus neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons and gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons and the possible involvement of NPY Y1 receptors. Endocrinology 140:5382–5390

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lindstedt G, Nystrom E, Matthews C, Ernest I, Janson PO, Chatterjee K (1998) Follitropin (FSH) deficiency in an infertile male due to FSHbeta gene mutation. A syndrome of normal puberty and virilization but underdeveloped testicles with azoospermia, low FSH but high lutropin and normal serum testosterone concentrations. Clin Chem Lab Med 36:663–665

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lofrano-Porto A, Casulari LA, Nascimento PP, Giacomini L, Naves LA, da Motta LD, Layman LC (2007) Effects of follicle-stimulating hormone and huma chorionic gonadotropin on gonadal steroidogenesis in two sibling with a follicle-stimulating hormone beta subunit mutation. Fertil Steril [Epub ahead of print]

    Google Scholar 

  • Lopez FJ, Merchenthaler IJ, Moretto M, Negro-Vilar A (1998) Modulating mechanisms of neuroendocrine cell activity: The LHRH pulse generator. Cell Mol Neurobiol 18:125–146

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lösel RM, Falkenstein E, Feuring M, Schultz A, Tillmann HC, Rossol-Haseroth K, Wehling M (2003) Nongenomic steroid action: Controversies, questions, and answers. Physiol Rev 83:965–1016

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Luetjens CM, Weinbauer GF, Wistuba J (2005) Primate sper-matogenesis: New insights into comparative testicular organisation, spermatogenic efficiency and endocrine control. Biol Rev 80:475–488

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Luetjens CM, Didolkar A, Kliesch S, Paulus W, Jeibmann A, Böcker W, Nieschlag E, Simoni M (2006) Tissue expression of the nuclear progesterone receptor in male non-human primates and men. J Endocrinol 189:529–539

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maffei L, Murata Y, Rochira V, Tubert G, Aranda C, Vazquez M, Clyne CD, Davis S, Simpson ER, Carani C (2004) Dysmetabolic syndrome in a man with a novel mutation of the aromatase gene: Effects of testosterone, alendronate, and estradiol treatment. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 89:61–70

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Marshall GR, Ramaswamy S, Plant TM (2005) Gonadotropin-independent proliferation of the pale type A spermatogonia in the adult rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta). Biol Reprod 73:222–229

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matthiesson KL, Amory JK, Berger R, Ugoni A, McLachlan RI, Bremner WJ (2005a) Novel male hormonal contraceptive combinations: the hormonal and spermatogenic effects of testosterone and levonorgestrel comobined with 5α-reductase inhibitor or gonadotropin-relasing hormone antagonist. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 90:91–97

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matthiesson KL, Stanton PG, O'Donnell L, Meachem SJ, Amory JK, Berger R, Bremner WJ, Mclachlan RI (2005b) Effects of testosterone and levonorgestrel combined with a 5α-reductase inhibitor or gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist on spermatogenesis and intratesticular steroid levels in normal men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 90:5647–5655

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matthiesson KL, McLachlan RI, O'Donnell L, Frydenberg M, Robertson DM, Stanton PG, Meachem SJ (2006) The relative roles of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in maintaining spermatogonial maturation and spermiation in normal man. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 91:3962–3969

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mayerhofer A, Frungieri MB, Fritz S, Bulling A, Jessberger B, Vogt HJ (1999) Evidence for catecholaminergic, neuronlike cells in the adult human testis: Changes associated with tes-ticular pathologies. J Androl 20:341–317

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meachem S, Nieschlag E, Simoni M (2001) Inhibin B in male reproduction: Pathophysiology and clinical relevance. Eur J Endocrinol 145:561–571

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Metzger E, Wissmann M, Schule R (2006) Histone demethyla-tion and androgen-dependent transcription. Curr Opin Genet Dev 16:513–517

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Millar RP (2005) GnRHs and GnRH receptors. Anim Reprod Sci 88:5–28

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Millar RP, Pawson AJ, Morgan K, Rissman EF, Lu ZL (2008) Diversity of actions of GnRHs mediated by ligand-induced selective signaling. Front Neuroendocrinol 29:17–35

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Miller WL (2007) StAR search-what we know about how the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein mediates mitochon-drial cholesterol import. Mol Endocrinol 21:589–601

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Modi DN, Shah C, Puri CP (2007) Non-genomic membrane progesterone receptors on human spermatozoa. Soc Reprod Fertil(Suppl 63):515–529

    Google Scholar 

  • Moyle WR, Campbell, RK (1995) Gonadotropins. In: DeGroot JL, Besser M, Burger HG, Jameson LJ, Loriaux DL, Marshall JC, Odell WD, Potts jr JT, Rubenstein AH (eds) Endocrinology. Saunders, Philadelphia/London, pp 230–241

    Google Scholar 

  • Nagano M, McCarrey JYR, Brinster RL (2001) Primate sper-matogonial cells colonize mouse testis. Biol Reprod 64:1409–1416

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Naito M, Itoh M (2008) Patterns of infiltration of lymphocytes into the testis under normal and pathological conditions in mice. Am J Reprod Immunol 59:55–61

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Narula A, Gu YQ, O'Donell L, Stanton PG, Robertson DM, McLachlan RI, Bremner WJ (2002) Variability in sperm suppression during testosterone administration to adult monkeys is related to follicle stimulating hormone suppression and not to intratesticular androgens. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 87:3399–3406

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ngan ES, Cheng PK, Leung PC, Chow BK (1999) Steroidogenic factor-1 interacts with a gonadotrope-specific element within the first exon of the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor gene to mediate gonadotrope-specific expression. Endocrinology 140:2452–2462

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nieschlag E, Weinbauer GF, Cooper TG, Wittkowski W, Cantz T (2008) Reproduktion. In: Speckmann E-J, Hescheler J, Köhling R (eds.) Physiologie 5. Auflage, Urban & Fischer, München pp 652–677

    Google Scholar 

  • Nightingale SS, Western P, Hutson JM (2008) The migrating guber-naculum grows like a “limb bud”. J Pediatr Surg 43:387–390

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • O'Donnell L, Robertson KM, Jones ME, Simpson ER (2001) Estrogen and spermatogenesis. Endocr Rev 22:289–318

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Overstreet JW, Fuh VL, Gould J, Howards SS, Lieber MM, Hellstrom W, Shapiro S, Carroll P, Corfman RS, Petrou S, Lewis R, Toth P, Shown T, Roy J, Jarow JP, Bonilla J, Jacobsen CA, Wang DZ, Kaufman KD (1999) Chronic treatment with finasteride daily does not affect spermatogenesis or semen production in young men. J Urol 162:1295–1300

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Palazzolo I, Gliozzi A, Rusmini P, Sau D, Crippa V, Simonini F, Onesto E, Bolzoni E, Poletti A (2008) The role of the poly-glutamine tract in androgen receptor. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 108:245–253

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Penning TM, Burczynski ME, Jez JM, Hung CF, Lin HK, Ma H, Moore M, Palackal N, Ratnam K (2000) Human 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isoforms (AKR1C1-AKR1C4) of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily: Functional plasticity and tissue distribution reveals roles in the inactiva-tion and formation of male and female sex hormones. Biochem J 351:67–77

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Phillip M, Arbelle JE, Segev Y, Parvari R (1998) Male hypogonad-ism due to a mutation in the gene for the beta-subunit of follicle-stimulating hormone. N Engl J Med 338:1729–1732

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Piersma D, Verhoef-Post M, Berns EM, Themmen AP (2007) LH receptor gene mutations and polymorphisms: An overview. Mol Cell Endocrinol 260–262:282–A286

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Plant TM, Ramaswamy S, Simorangkir D, Marshall GR (2005) Postnatal and pubertal development of the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) testis. Ann NY Acad Sci 1061:149–162

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pöllänen P, Cooper TG (1994) Immunology of the testicular excurrent ducts. J Reprod Immunol 26:167–216

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Popa SM, Clifton DK, Steiner RA (2008) The role of kisspeptins and GPR54 in the neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction. Annu Rev Physiol 70:213–238

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Prince FP (2007) The human Leydig cell: Functional morphology and developmental history. In: Payne AH, Hardy MP (eds) The Leydig cell in health and disease. Humana Press, Totowa, pp 71–90

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Rahman F, Christian HC (2007) Non-classical actions of testosterone: An update. Trends Endocrinol Metab 18:371–378

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rajender S, Singh L, Thangaraj K (2007) Phenotypic heterogeneity of mutations in androgen receptor gene. Asian J Androl 9:147–179

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Raleigh D, O'Donnell L, Southwick GJ, de Kretser DM, McLachlan RI (2004) Stereological analysis of the human testis after vasectomy indicates impairment of spermato-genic efficiency with increasing obstructive interval. Fertil Steril 81:1595–1603

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Randall VA, Jenner TJ, Hibberts NA, De Oliveira IO, Vafaee T (2008) Stem cell factor/c-Kit signalling in normal and andro-genetic alopecia hair follicles. J Endocrinol 197:11–23

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Romano F, Tripiciano A, Muciaccia B, De Cesaris P, Ziparo E, Palombi F, Filippini A (2005) The contractile phenotype ofperitubular smooth muscle cells is locally controlled: Possible implications in male fertility. Contraception 72:294–297

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ruwanpura SM, McLachlan RI, Matthiesson KL, Meachem SJ (2008) Gonadotrophins regulate germ cell survival, not proliferation, in normal adult men. Hum Reprod 23:403–411

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Saudan C, Baume N, Robinson N, Avois L, Mangin P, Saugy M (2006) Testosterone and doping control. Br J Sports Med 40:21–24

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schell C, Albrecht M, Mayer C, Schwarzer JU, Frungieri MB, Mayerhofer A (2008) Exploring human testicular peritubu-lar cells: Identification of secretory products and regulation by tumor necrosis factor-α. Endocrinology 149:1678–1686

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schlatt S, Weinbauer GF, Arslan M, Nieschlag E (1993) Appearance of alpha-smooth muscle actin in peritubular cells of monkey testes is induced by androgens, modulated by follicle-stimulating hormone, and maintained after hormonal withdrawal. J Androl 14:340–50

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schlatt S, Arslan M, Weinbauer GF, Behre HM, Nieschlag E (1995) Endocrine control of testicular somatic and premei-otic germ cell development in the immature testis of the primate Macaca mulatta. Eur J Endocrinol 133:235–247

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schlatt S, Rosiepen G, Weinbauer GF, Rolf C, Brook PF, Nieschlag E (1999) Germ cell transfer into rat, bovine, monkey and human testis. Hum Reprod 14:144–150

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schulze W, Rehder U (1984) Organization and morphogenesis of the human seminiferous epithelium. Cell Tissue Res 237:395–407

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Selva DM, Bassas L, Munell F, Mata A, Tekpetey F, Lewis JG, Hammond GL (2005) Human sperm sex hormone-binding globulin isoform: Characterization and measurement by time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 90:6275–6282

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Seminara SB, Messager S, Chatzidaki EE, Thresher RR, Acierno JS Jr, Shagoury JK, Bo-Abbas Y, Kuohung W, Schwinof KM, Hendrick AG, Zahn D, Dixon J, Kaiser UB, Slaugenhaupt SA, Gusella JF, O'Rahilly S, Carlton MB, Crowley WF Jr, Aparicio SA, Colledge WH (2003) The GPR54 gene as a regulator of puberty. N Engl J Med 349:1614–1627

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Setchell BP (1999) Blood-testis barrier. In: Knobil E, Neill JD (eds) Encyclopedia of Reproduction. Academic, San Diego, CA, pp 375–381

    Google Scholar 

  • Sezer C, Koksal IT, Usta MF, Gulkesen KH, Erdogru T, Ciftcioglu A, Baykara M (2005) Relationship between mast cell and iNOS expression in testicular tissue associated with infertility. Arch Androl 51:149–158

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shetty G, Krishnamurthy H, Krishnamurthy HN, Bhatnagar S, Moudgal RN (1997) Effect of estrogen deprivation on the reproductive physiology of male and female primates. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 61:157–166

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shetty G, Krishnamurthy H, Krishnamurthy HN, Bhatnagar AS, Moudgal NR (1998) Effect of long-term treatment with aro-matase inhibitor on testicular function of adult male bonnet monkeys (M. radiata). Steroids 63:414–420

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shono T 2007 Molecular and anatomical studies of testicular descent. Hinyokika Kiyo 53:505–508

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Simoni M, Gromoll J, Nieschlag E (1997) The follicle-stimulating hormone receptor: biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology and pathophysiology. Endocr Rev 18:739–773

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Skandhan KP, Rajahariprasad A (2007) The process of sper-matogenesis liberates significant heat and the scrotum has a role in body thermoregulation. Med Hypotheses 68:303–307

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sridharan S, Simon L, Meling DD, Cyr DG, Gutstein DE, Fishman GI, Guillou F, Cooke PS (2007) Proliferation of adult Sertoli cells following conditional knockout of the gap junctional protein GJA1 (connexin 43) in mice. Biol Reprod 76:804–812

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sriraman V, Anbalagan M, Rao AJ (2005) Hormonal regulation of Leydig cell proliferation and differentiation in rodent tes-tis: A dynamic interplay between gonadotrophins and tes-ticular factors. Reprod Biomed Online 11:507–518

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stelekati E, Orinska Z, Bulfone-Paus S (2007) Mast cells in allergy: innate instructors of adaptive responses. Immuno-biology 212:505–519

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Suarez-Quian CA, Martinez-Garcia F, Nistal M, Regadera J (1999) Androgen receptor distribution in adult human testis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 84:350–358

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Takaimya K, Yamamoto A, Furukawa K, Zhao J, Fukumoto S, Amashiro S, Okada M, Haraguchi M, Shin M, Kishikawa M, Shiku H, Auzawa S, Furukawa K (1998) Complex ganglio-sides are essential in spermatogenesis of mice: possible roles in the transport of testosterone. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 95:12147–12152

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Takeda K, Toda K, Saibara T, Nakagawa M, Saika K, Onishi T, Sugiura T, Shizuta Y (2003) Progressive development of insulin resistance phenotype in male mice with complete aromatase (CYP19) deficiency. J Endocrinol 176:237–246

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tena-Sempere M (2008) Ghrelin and reproduction: Ghrelin as novel regulator of the gonadotropic axis. Vitam Horm 77:285–300

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Themmen AP, Martens JW, Brunner HG (1998) Activating and inactivating mutations in LH receptor. Mol Cell Endocrinol 145:137–142

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tobet SA, Schwarting GA. (2006) Recent progress in gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuronal migration. Endocrinology 147:1159–1165

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Toppari J, Virtanen H, Skakkebaek NE, Main KM (2006) Environmental effects on hormonal regulation of testicular descent. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 102:184–186

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Valimaki VV, Alfthan H, Ivaska KK, Loyttyniemi E, Pettersson K, Stenman UH, Valimaki MJ (2004) Serum estradiol, testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin as regulators of peak bone mass and bone turnover rate in young Finnish men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 89:3785–3789

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vandenput L, Mellstrom D, Lorentzon M, Swanson C, Karlsson MK, Brandberg J, Lonn L, Orwoll E, Smith U, Labrie F, Ljunggren O, Tivesten A, Ohlsson C (2007) Androgens and glucuronidated androgen metabolites are associated with metabolic risk factors in men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 92:4130–4137

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Virtanen HE, Bjerknes R, Cortes D, Jorgensen N, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Thorsson AV, Thorup J, Main KM (2007a) Cryptorchidism: classification, prevalence and long-term consequences. Acta Paediatr 96:611–616

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Virtanen HE, Cortes D, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Ritzen EM, Nordenskjold A, Skakkebaek NE, Toppari J (2007b) Development and descent of the testis in relation to cryptorchidism. Acta Paediatr 96:622–627

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • von Eckardstein S, Simoni M, Bergmann M, Weinbauer GF, Gaßner P, Schepers AG, Nieschlag E (1999) Serum inhibin B in combination with serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a more sensitive marker than serum FSH alone for impaired spermatogenesis in men, but cannot predict the presence of sperm in testicular tissue samples. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 84:2496–2501

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang C, McDonald V, Leung A, Superlano L, Berman N, Hull L, Swerdloff RS (1997) Effect of increased scrotal temperature on sperm production in normal men. Fertil Steril 68:334–339

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weinbauer GF, Wessels J (1999) Paracrine control of spermato-genesis. Andrologia 31:249–262

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weinbauer GF, Schlatt S, Walter V, Nieschlag E (2001) Testosterone-induced inhibition of spermatogenesis is more closely related to suppression of FSH than to testicular androgen levels in the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fas-cicularis). J Endocrinol 168:25–38

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weinbauer GF, Niehaus M, Nieschlag E (2004) The role of testosterone in spermatogenesis. In: Nieschlag E, Behre HM (eds) Testosterone: Action, deficiency, substitution. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 173–206

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Wikström AM, Bay K, Hero M, Andersson AM, Dunkel L (2006) Serum insulin-like factor 3 levels during puberty in healthy boys and boys with Klinefelter syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 91:4705–4708

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wistuba J, Schrod A, Greve B, Hodges KJ, Aslam H, Weinbauer GF, Luetjens CM (2003) Organization of the seminiferous epithelium in primates: Relationship to spermatogenic efficiency, phylogeny and mating system. Biol Reprod 69:582–591

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Xu Q, Lin HY, Yeh SD, Yu IC, Wang RS, Chen YT, Zhang C, Altuwaijri S, Chen LM, Chuang KH, Chiang HS, Yeh S, Chang C (2007) Infertility with defective spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in male mice lacking androgen receptor in Leydig cells. Endocrine 32:96–106

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yamazawa K, Wada Y, Sasagawa I, Aoki K, Ueoka K, Ogata T (2007) Mutation and polymorphism analyses of INSL3 and LGR8/GREAT in 62 Japanese patients with cryptorchidism. Horm Res 67:73–76

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yan HH, Mruk DD, Wong EW, Lee WM, Cheng CY (2008) An autocrine axis in the testis that coordinates spermiation and blood-testis-barrier restructuring during spermatogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105:8950–8955

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zannini C, Turchetti S, Guarch R, Buffa D, Psece C (1999) Cell counting and three-dimensional reconstruction to identify a cellular wave in human spermatogenesis. Ann Quant Cytol Histol 21:358–362

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang C, Yeh S, Chen YT, Wu CC, Chuang KH, Lin HY, Wang RS, Chang YJ, Mendis-Handagama C, Hu L, Lardy H, Chang C (2006) Oligozoospermia with normal fertility in male mice lacking the androgen receptor in testis peritubular myoid cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 103:17718–17723

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zhengwei Y, McLachlan RI, Bremner WJ, Wreford NG (1997) Quantitative (stereological) study of the normal spermato-genesis in the adult monkey (Macaca fascicularis). J Androl 18:681–687

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zhengwei Y, Wreford NG, Royce P, de Kretser DM, McLachlan RI (1998a) Stereological evaluation of human spermatogenesis after suppression by testosterone treatment: heterogeneous pattern of spermatogenic impairment. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 83:1284–1291

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zhengwei Y, Wreford NG, Schlatt S, Weinbauer GF, Nieschlag E, McLachlan RI (1998b) Acute and specific impairment of spermatogonial development by GnRH antagonist-induced gonadotrophin withdrawal in the adult macaque (Macaca fascicularis). J Reprod Fertil 112:139–147

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zitzmann M (2006) Testosterone and the brain. Aging Male 9:195–199

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zuccarello D, Ferlin A, Vinanzi C, Prana E, Garolla A, Callewaert L, Claessens F, Brinkmann AO, Foresta C (2008) Detailed functional studies on androgen receptor mild mutations demonstrate their association with male infertility. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 68:580–588

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research and Safety Assessment, Covance Laboratories GmbH, Kesselfeld 29, Münster, D-48169, Germany

    Gerhard F Weinbauer

  2. Covance Laboratories GmbH, Kesselfeld 29, Münster, 48169, Germany

    Craig Marc Luetjens

  3. Department of Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41126, Italy

    Manuela Simoni

  4. Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology of the University, Domagkstr. 11, Mönster, 48149, Germany

    Eberhard Nieschlag

Authors
  1. Gerhard F Weinbauer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Craig Marc Luetjens
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Manuela Simoni
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Eberhard Nieschlag
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gerhard F Weinbauer .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology of the University, Domagkstr. 11, Mönster, 48149, Germany

    Eberhard Nieschlag  & Susan Nieschlag  & 

  2. Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology of the University, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, Halle/Saale, 06120, Germany

    Hermann M. Behre

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Weinbauer, G.F., Luetjens, C.M., Simoni, M., Nieschlag, E. (2010). Physiology of Testicular Function. In: Nieschlag, E., Behre, H.M., Nieschlag, S. (eds) Andrology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-78355-8_2

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-78355-8_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-78354-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-78355-8

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation