Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Factors Regulating Testicular Functions

The spermatogenic and steroidogenic functions of the testes is finely regulated by the brain (on stimulation), the master endocrine gland, and local factors produced by the testes. During intrauterine life the proliferation of primitive germ cells and the formation of the testes is carefully directed by testosterone, secreted by leydig cell on activation by human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) released by the placenta. After birth, hormonal regulation of testes stop and the testes remain quicent until the onset of puberty.