Question

Compare and contrast the roles of GNRH, LH, FSH and steroid hormones in the regulation of gametogenesis in human males and females.

Answer 1

Male Gametogenesis	Female Gametogenesis
Role of GNRH: GnRH stimulates the production of FSH and LH, which act on the testes to begin spermatogenesis and to develop secondary sex characteristics in the male.	Role of GNRH: Co-localization of GnRH and its receptor in multiple cell types strongly suggests that GnRH may act in an autocrine/paracrine manner beyond the regulation of gonadotropin secretion. Within reproductive tissues, GnRH and its receptor are thought to play a role in normal breast and ovarian development
Role of LH: LH stimulates testosterone release by the Leydig cells of the testes.	Role of LH: LH stimulates secretion of sex steroids from the gonads.
Role of FSH: FSH provides indirect structural and metabolic support for development of spermatogonia into mature spermatids via its membrane-bound receptor in Sertoli cells. FSH also play a crucial role in determination of the number of Sertoli cells and thus their capacity to maintain spermatogenesis.	Role of FSH: Follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates the division and function of granulosa cells that surround and nurture the developing oocyte (egg) in the follicle.
Role of Steroid: The principal androgen, testosterone, is produced primarily by the testes and in lesser amounts by the adrenal cortex and (in women) by the ovaries. Androgens are primarily responsible for the development and maintenance of reproductive function and stimulation of the secondary sex characteristics in the male.	Role of Steroid: The steroid hormones estrogen (E) and progesterone (P) play a central role in the regulation of all aspects of female reproductive activity leading to the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy.