Question

Gonadotropes are cells in the anterior pituitary that produce gonadotropins, including luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to secrete testosterone. This increase in the blood levels of testosterone downregulates LH production. When the gonads are removed by castration, the absence of this negative feedback causes hypertrophy of the gonadotropes in the anterior pituitary. What is the primary function of LH in males?

a) Stimulating estrogen production
b) Enhancing progesterone synthesis
c) Regulating testosterone secretion
d) Inhibiting FSH release

Answer 1

The primary function of LH in males is to regulate testosterone secretion by stimulating Leydig cells to produce testosterone, crucial for male reproductive health and development of secondary sexual characteristics.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary function of luteinizing hormone (LH) in males is to regulate the secretion of testosterone. LH binds to receptors on Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce testosterone. This process is crucial for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics and for supporting sperm production (spermatogenesis).

In the absence of gonads, such as after castration, the negative feedback loop that usually controls LH production is disrupted. Without testosterone to inhibit its production, the anterior pituitary gland produces more LH, leading to hypertrophy of the gonadotropes. It is important to note that while LH is crucial for testosterone production, it does not directly influence the production of other hormones like estrogen or progesterone, nor does it act to inhibit follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release.

The primary function of LH in males is c) Regulating testosterone secretion. LH stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, which is essential for male reproductive health.