NEW INSIGHTS INTO THE ROLE OF FOLLICLE-STIMULATING-HORMONE IN REPRODUCTION

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) has been considered essential for n ormal ovarian follicular development and spermatogenesis. Although thi s concept remains valid, the recent reports of defects in genes encodi ng FSH and its receptor (FSHR) have altered the concepts, particularly with regard to the role of FSH in spermatogenesis, Complete FSH resis tance caused by a mutation of the FSHR gene has demonstrated that norm al FSH action is an absolute requirement for female fertility, but spe rmatogenesis and male fertility are possible without FSH action, Thus, while normal ovarian function is critically dependent on normal FSH a ction, male fertility is relatively independent of this hormone. The f inding contradicts the potential of inhibition of FSH secretion or act ion as a means of male contraception.