Male Reproductive Physiology I&II (4/18, 4/20) Dr.

Katzenellenbogen Male Gonads: The Testes 90% seminiferous tubules (Sertoli and germ cells) 10% interstitial (Leydig Cells, connective tissue, blood supply 2 major functions of the testes: I. Spermatogenesis in the Seminiferous Tubules (much of this is review) Approximately 70 days to complete Occurs continuously. regulated by FSH, LH Tract 1. Seminiferous tubules 2. Rete testis 3. Epididymis storage and maturation of sperm 4. Vas/ductus deferens 3 major phases 1. Mitosis Spermatogonia (germ cells) Spermatocytes 2. Meiosis Spermatocytes (2n) Spermatids (1n) haploid like mature sperm spermatids become your kids 3. Spermiogenesis spermatids mature sperm (sheds cytoplasm, acrosome forms, etc) Sertoli Cells supportive function o Provide nutrients to developing sperm cells o tight junctions provide blood-testis barrier o secrete aqueous secretion into the lumen to aid sperm transport Glands (just what Dr. K pointed out specifically in class) o Seminal vesicle 60% of semen Fructose energy source for sperm Prostaglandins react with cervical mucus induce peristaltic contractions up the tract o Prostate 20% of semen alkaline solution Citrate Cholesterol Prostaglandins here also o Bulbourethral nothing special mentioned o Buffers to neutralize the acidic environment of the reproductive tracts. Phosphate Bicarbonate II. Biosynthesis of Testosterone (T) Leydig Cells T is synthesized from Cholesterol We only need to be able to recognize these structures, not draw them.

Male Reproductive Physiology I&II (4/18, 4/20) Dr. Katzenellenbogen House Analogy for Cholesterol: 3 Beds and a bath - ABC bedrooms - D - bathroom On the roof Cable TV antenna - Basic service on one side - Premium channels on the other (HBO 3 carbons) - add a little dish at the end. - Double bond in room B (all others have it in room A) Testosterone 19 carbons - Lost the cable so replaced it with alcohol (OH) [got irresponsible I guess] - Room A has just =O (not sure how to fit this in the story) - moved the double bond from B to A Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): - No double bonds in the house Estradiol (E2): - Just like getting engaged: The girl gets the (aromatic) ring 5-alpha reductase is found in the male target tissues (see actions) Aromatase is found in the granulosa cells of the ovary, and some in the testes. Action (mech: enters nucleus, regulates gene transcription) T Male secondary sex characteristics, growth spurt, spermatogenesis, libido, etc. DHT higher affinity than testosterone secondary sex char (specifically male hair distribution, prostate development, and prenatal differentiation of ext. genitalia) E2 (in women) proliferation of the uterus, negative feedback at the ante pituitary for LH and FSH. Transport in the blood: 98% bound o 65% SSBG (Sex Steroid Binding Globulin), o 33% Albumen o Compare with Estrogen 38% SSBG, 60% Albumen

Male Reproductive Physiology I&II (4/18, 4/20) Dr. Katzenellenbogen o SSBG produced in the liver. Increased by E2, dec by T 2% free, active form Metabolism of T <1% converted to E2 <10% to DHT ~90 % excreted Regulation the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis Hypothalamus GnRH Pituitary LH, FSH Testis Testosterone

Note the because of pulsatile secretion of GnRH LH and FSH is also released in pulses LH or in males Interstital Cell Stimulating Hormone (ICSH) o LH hits Leydig cells causing Testosterone production Mnemonic: LLT - Ladies Love Testosterone o Testosterone has negative feedback effect on the pituitary: Ladies Love Testosterone but too much testosterone turns the ladies (LH) off. FSH long half life less obvious surges o Leydig Cells upregulate LH receptors o Sertoli Cells promote sperm development produce inhibin negative feedback of FSH at the Pituitary produces Androgen Binding Protein (ABP) to keep T in the testes to help spermatogenesis. Infertility 40% of the time associated with males [again, just what was emphasized] 2 types: Infertility with undervirilization no sperm, no testosterone effects o Hypothalamic-Pituitary GnRH receptor mutations Panhypopituitarism o Testicular LH receptor mutations Klinefelters syndrome Androgen resistance undervirilized man Infertility with normal virilization no sperm, yes testosterone effects o Hypothalamic-Pituitary Androgen administration (muscle building steroids) o Testicular FSH receptor mutations Cryptorchidism Varicocele blood flow in the pampiniform plexus interrupted o Sperm Transport Obstruction of epididymis/vas deferens (various methods, i.e. cystic fibrosis) (the following is copied from her notes, not sure how to summarize)

Male Reproductive Physiology I&II (4/18, 4/20) Dr. Katzenellenbogen Treatment for Oligospermia (a less than optimal sperm count) In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Contraception/Vasectomy Ligate and sever vas Azoospermia within 12 weeks or 20 ejaculations 98% successful. Reanastomosis can occur rarely Reversal is possible but will still have some infertility All information pulled from Dr. Ks handout and Physiology 2nd edition by Linda Costanza (not BRS) and I came up with some of the mnemonics : P Please email me at dchoi6@uiuc.edu with any questions/corrections. Cheers -danny