Hormonal Control of Spermatogenesis (Male Fertility)

• FSH (follicle stimulating hormones) promotes spermatogenesis (sperm production) in seminiferous tubules of the testes.
• ICSH (Interstitial cell-stimulating hormone) stimulates interstitial cells to produce male hormones (eg testosterone)
• Testosterone also stimulates sperm production and activates the prostate gland and seminal vesicles
• FSH and ICSH exhibit negative feedback control on the pituitary gland decreasing the level of testosterone produced by the interstitial cells.
• Negative Feedback Control

  • High levels of testosterone have an inhibitory effect on the pituitary gland

  • Inhibits secretion of FSH and ICSH

  • Thus, levels of testosterone fall

  Then....

  • Inhibitory effect on pituitary ceases

  • FSH and ICSH secretion increases

  • Levels of testosterone increase