Male minipuberty in human and non-human primates: planting the seeds of future fertility.
Reproduction
; 166(4): R63-R72, 2023 10 01.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37606226
ABSTRACT
In brief Minipuberty is a transient activity period of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the postnatal and infant period including surging serum concentrations of reproductive hormones. Increasing evidence points to an important role of this period for maturation of the testes and thereby for male reproductive function. Abstract Minipuberty is a transient activity period of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in the postnatal and infant period in humans and non-human primates. Hallmarks of this period are surging serum concentrations of reproductive hormones. While in females, the role of minipuberty seems to be dispensable for future fertility, in males, it is significantly associated with reproductive function in later life. In males, this activity period promotes further masculinization, including testicular and penile growth, as well as completion of testicular descent if not already achieved at birth. At the testicular level, both, somatic and germ cells undergo proliferation and partial maturation during this period. Minipuberty is thought to prime male gonadal tissue for subsequent growth and maturation. Notably, perturbed or absent minipuberty is associated with reduced male reproductive function in adulthood. While the sustained HPG axis activity during adulthood is known to control reproductive function, minipuberty appears to be a prerequisite for obtaining full male reproductive function in later life, thereby determining future fertility potential, i.e. the ability to father a child. This review maps the role of male minipuberty for reproductive function and presents suitable animal models to study minipuberty. Also, it describes the development and maturation of testicular cell types, discusses short- and long-term effects of minipuberty and highlights future research perspectives.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Primates
/
Semillas
Límite:
Animals
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Female
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Humans
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Infant
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Male
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Newborn
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Reproduction
Asunto de la revista:
MEDICINA REPRODUTIVA
Año:
2023
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Alemania