Identification of a window of androgen sensitivity for somatic cell function in human fetal testis cultured ex vivo.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Reduced androgen action during early fetal development has been suggested as the origin of reproductive disorders comprised within the testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). This hypothesis has been supported by studies in rats demonstrating that normal male development and adult reproductive function depend on sufficient androgen exposure during a sensitive fetal period, called the masculinization programming window (MPW). The main aim of this study was therefore to examine the effects of manipulating androgen production during different timepoints during early human fetal testis development to identify the existence and timing of a possible window of androgen sensitivity resembling the MPW in rats.

Methods

The effects of experimentally reduced androgen exposure d

SUBMITTER: Lundgaard Riis M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9585726 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature