Spermatogenesis and sperm transit through the epididymis in mammals with emphasis on pigs
LR França, GF Avelar, FFL Almeida - Theriogenology, 2005 - Elsevier
Starting from the period of testis differentiation, the Sertoli cell plays a pivotal role in the
development of a functional testis. FSH is the major mitotic factor for Sertoli cells. Because
the supporting capacity of Sertoli cells is relatively fixed for each species, their total number
per testis, established just before puberty (∼ 4 months in pigs), dictates the potential for
sperm production. In contrast to Sertoli cells that are still undifferentiated, mature Leydig
cells are already present at birth in pigs. Spermatogenesis lasts from 30 to 75 days in …
development of a functional testis. FSH is the major mitotic factor for Sertoli cells. Because
the supporting capacity of Sertoli cells is relatively fixed for each species, their total number
per testis, established just before puberty (∼ 4 months in pigs), dictates the potential for
sperm production. In contrast to Sertoli cells that are still undifferentiated, mature Leydig
cells are already present at birth in pigs. Spermatogenesis lasts from 30 to 75 days in …