Question

Males and females possess the same gene for Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, which is a glycoprotein. Therefore, the tertiary structure of FSH is not different between men and women. Yet when FSH is injected into a male or a female, the physiological effects are different. Which cells in males and females are responsive to FSH and how does the body determine which cells will respond to which hormones? Focus on what’s happening at the cellular level as well as at the systemic level, contrasting between male and female. Furthermore, relating to the notion of injecting FSH directly into a patient, what problems (both endocrine and reproductive) would be caused by doing this repeatedly, and what would be the physiological reasons behind these problems?

Answer 1

In Females - FSH act on granulosa cells --> and convert androgen to estradiol by aromatase.

Mechanism of action - Anterior pituitary secrete FSH and LH. In females LH act on theca cells and stimulate mitochondrial transport of Cholesterol. In mitochondria Cholesterol is converted into Androstinediones. FSH act granulosa cells and convert Androstinediones to Estrogen.

In males - FSH act on sertoli cell to secrete androgen binding protein into the seminiferous tubule. This Increases the binding of testosterone in the lumen of seminiferous tubule. This local increse in testosterone helps in spermatogenesis.

Exogenous adminstration of FSH into male is used as treatment for infertility by Increasing spermatogenesis.

In females exogenous FSH administration leads to maturation of ovum and helps in ovulation.

Repeated dosing with FSH leads to breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, weight gain.