The Level of Testosterone is Kept High Locally in the Seminiferous

Question

The level of testosterone is kept high locally in the seminiferous tubules by activation of
A) LH.
B) FSH.
C) androgen-binding protein.
D) dihydrotestosterone.
E) GnRH.

Accepted Answer

Androgen-binding protein (ABP) is produced by Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules and binds to testosterone, keeping the concentration of testosterone high in the local environment. This is important for the development and maturation of spermatozoa. LH and FSH stimulate the production of testosterone and ABP, respectively, while dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a metabolite of testosterone that is responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics. GnRH is a hormone that regulates the secretion of both LH and FSH from the pituitary gland. None of these directly maintain a high level of testosterone locally in the seminiferous tubules.