Androgen Actions in the Testis and the Regulation of Spermatogenesis

Testosterone is essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility. In this review, topics related to testosterone control of spermatogenesis are covered including testosterone production and levels in the testis, classical and nonclassical testosterone signaling pathways, cell- and temporal-specific expression of the androgen receptor in the testis and autocrine and paracrine signaling of testis cells in the testis. Also discussed are the contributions of testosterone to testis descent, the blood-testis barrier, control of gonocyte numbers and spermatogonia expansion, completion of meiosis and attachment and release of elongaed spermatids. Testosterone-regulated genes identified in various mouse models of idsrupted Androgen receptor expression are discussed. Finally, examples of synergism and antagonism between androgen and follicle-stimulating hormone signaling pathways are summarized.