L16 Male Contraception Flashcards
What are the 3 parts of the male reproductive shown in class
testis, epididymis, vas deferens
Describe the inside of a testis
Comprised of seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells (surround the tubules)
What is the function of Leydig cells
they produce high local testosterone (5-7mg/day)
TF: Leydig cells are found inside the seminiferous tubules
False, Leydig cells are found outside the tubules, while Sertoli cells are found inside
What is the function of Sertoli cells
they embed and support maturing sperm cells
what is the daily sperm production in humans
34g
what is the sperm concentration in most fertile men
greater or equal to 15 million/ml (range of 15-200 million/ml)
What sperm concentration results in only 1% pregnancy risk
lesser or equal to 1 million/ml
How long is spermatogenesis for humans
64 days (2 months)
TF: Sertoli cells produce testosterone and estradiol
False
Which molecule serves as a building block for steroids
cholesterol
which hormone primarily regulates testosterone production
LH
TF: progesterone is a precursor for testosterone
True
Which chromosome is the human androgen receptor gene located on
X
TF: the ligand-binding domain for hAR (human androgen receptor) protein is at the NH2-terminal domain
False, its at the C terminal
The N-terminal domain = transcriptional activation
Describe the mechanism of action for androgen
- Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) enter the cell
- T is converted to DHT by 5alpha-reductases using NADPH
- DHT binds to androgen receptors along with coregulators to move into the nucleus
- Transcription is activated
Which enzyme converts T into estradiol?
aromatase
Which enzyme converts T into DHT?
5alpha-reductase
What does T act on? DHT? estradiol?
T: muscle, bone marrow, bone, brain
DHT: external genitalia, prostate, skin, hair
Estradiol: Bone, brain, breast
What behaviors are associated with low estrogen
increased sex drive and increased activity
What behavior(s) is/are associated with high estrogen
decreased eating
What behavior is associated with high DHT
increased eating