The key role of vitamin A in spermatogenesis
Cathryn A. Hogarth, Michael D. Griswold
Cathryn A. Hogarth, Michael D. Griswold
Published April 1, 2010
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2010;120(4):956-962. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI41303.
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The key role of vitamin A in spermatogenesis

Abstract

Spermatogenesis in adult mammals is highly organized, with the goal being continual sperm production. Vertebrate testes are arranged into recurring cellular associations that vary with time and distance along the tubule. These changes over time and distance are designated the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium and the spermatogenic wave, respectively. In this Review, we briefly outline the roles that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone play in regulating spermatogenesis and describe our current understanding of how vitamin A regulates germ cell differentiation and how it may lead to the generation of both the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium and the spermatogenic wave.

Authors

Cathryn A. Hogarth, Michael D. Griswold

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Figure 3

Depiction of the spermatogenic wave.

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Depiction of the spermatogenic wave. A single seminiferous tubule is dep...
A single seminiferous tubule is depicted, and the stages of the cycle (cellular associations) along the tubule are shown. The spermatogenic wave describes the process in space, while the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium refers to the process in time. The point of meiotic initiation (red arrows) moves along the tubule in the direction of the black arrows. The net result of the wave is the asynchronous (and therefore continual) release of spermatozoa.