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Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
REVIEW

Endocrine regulation of sperm release

A. Kumar A , S. Raut A and N. H. Balasinor A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Neuroendocrinology Division, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India.

B Corresponding author. Email: balasinorn@nirrh.res.in

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 30(12) 1595-1603 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD18057
Submitted: 7 February 2018  Accepted: 2 May 2018   Published: 4 June 2018

Abstract

Spermiation (sperm release) is the culmination of a spermatid’s journey in the seminiferous epithelium. After a long association with the Sertoli cell, spermatids have to finally ‘let go’ of the support from Sertoli cells in order to be transported to the epididymis. Spermiation is a multistep process characterised by removal of excess spermatid cytoplasm, recycling of junctional adhesion molecules by endocytosis, extensive cytoskeletal remodelling and final spermatid disengagement. Successful execution of all these events requires coordinated regulation by endocrine and paracrine factors. This review focuses on the endocrine regulation of spermiation. With the aim of delineating how hormones control the various aspects of spermiation, this review provides an analysis of recent advances in research on the hormonal control of molecules associated with the spermiation machinery. Because spermiation is one of the most sensitive phases of spermatogenesis to variations in hormone levels, understanding their molecular control is imperative to advance our knowledge of the nuances of spermatogenesis and male fertility.

Additional keywords: androgen, hormones, oestrogen, oxytocin, retinoic acid, spermiation.


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