Effects of mammalian gonadotropins (oFSH and oLH) on testicular development in the immature water snake, Nerodia sipedon.
Ovine FSH (oFSH) or ovine LH (oLH) was injected into immature male Nerodia sipedon and was assessed as to its effects on testicular development and steroid synthesis as indicated by the subsequent development of the renal sexual segment, a known secondary sexual character. FSH-injected animals had significantly larger testis mass, seminiferous tubule diameter, and epithelial height when compared to LH-injected and control groups. While FSH induced testicular development, LH induced lipid accumulation and hypertrophy of the mitochondria in the Leydig cell, indicative of androgen production. While both FSH and LH induced development of the renal sexual segment, LH stimulated the production of sexual granules prior to FSH, implying that androgens enter the circulation faster under LH treatment.
D000818:Animals; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007668:Kidney / Q000166:cytology; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D012741:Sexual Maturation / Q000187:drug effects*; D012911:Snakes / Q000502:physiology*; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development*
D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone