Chapter 38 Male Reproduction

Question 1

What factors control male sex differentiation ?

Answer 1

The Y chromosome in male embryos g

Question 2

What cells in the body are responsible for T production ? Where are they located ?

Answer 2

Leydig cells are responsible for synthesis of T and they are located in the testis

Question 3

What cells support spermatogenesis ? What hormones regulate their function ?

Answer 3

Sertoli cells support spermatogenesis and they use T hormones to regulate the function.

Question 4

What is the androgen receptor and how does it transmit signals from T/DHT ?

Answer 4

Androgen receptor is a nuclear hormone receptor t

Signals are transmitted by :
-Changes in gene expression
-Changes in cell function (cell growth/division, etc)

Question 5

Describe the changes in spermatozoa chromosome number during Meiosis I and II ?

Answer 5

The cells in meiosis 1 have 46 chromosomes each and the cells in meiosis 2 have 23 chromosomes each

Question 6

What is PSA and why is it important in the clinic ?

Answer 6

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is in the seminal fluid and it supports spermatozoa function and motility

IT is important in clinics because it is in the blood and it is used as a biomarker for prostate disorders, but it does not tell you the cause

Question 7

How does male reproductive function change during aging ?

Answer 7

-Levels of T drop ~1% per year starting in mid 30s (“andropause”)
-Gradual T decline releases feedback on FSH/LH
-Gradual increase in SHBG during aging
-Spermatogenesis continues -although more mutations
-Anatomical/Physiological changes : reduced muscle mass , fat increase . bone density , hair loss. article dysfunction , etc (all T/DHT maintained)

Question 8

What are the main therapies for prostate cancer
?

Answer 8

• Anti Androgens : Block AR function
• Androgen depletion : GnRH agonists & antagonists suppress T/DHT production
• 5α-reductase inhibitors : inhibit DHT synthesis