Sertoli cells and ovarian granulosa cells (the FSH target)
Target gland or tissue · FSH Aromatase Inhibin B
FSH drives granulosa proliferation and aromatase, and in the testis supports spermatogenesis through Sertoli cells and androgen-binding protein. Both cells secrete inhibin B, the selective brake on FSH.
Traced from the start
- Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone pulse generator (arcuate nucleus)
- Gonadotroph — luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone
- Sertoli cells and ovarian granulosa cells (the FSH target)
Detail
- Aromatase
- Converts theca androstenedione and testosterone to oestrone and oestradiol; it is also active in adipose tissue, which is why obesity raises oestrogen in men
- Inhibin B
- Suppresses FSH only, which is why FSH rises before LH in the perimenopause as inhibin falls first
- Anti-Mullerian hormone
- A granulosa product used as an index of ovarian reserve; fetal Sertoli AMH causes Mullerian duct regression in the male
- Barrier
- Sertoli tight junctions form the blood-testis barrier
When it goes wrong
Seminiferous tubule damage from chemotherapy, mumps orchitis or Klinefelter syndrome
High FSH with low inhibin B and oligospermia, while LH and testosterone may still be near normal
Primary ovarian insufficiency before the age of 40
Amenorrhoea with FSH repeatedly above 25-40 IU/L and low oestradiol; hormone replacement is needed to protect bone and cardiovascular health
Practise this structure
2 questions in the bank tagged Feedback Axis.
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A 41-year-old woman has progressive weight gain, proximal muscle weakness and easy bruising. Her 24-hour urinary free cortisol is 780 nmol/day (reference less t…
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