RT Book, Section A1 Foster, Paul M.D. A1 Gray, L. Earl A2 Klaassen, Curtis D. A2 Watkins, John B. SR Print(0) ID 1178015990 T1 Toxic Responses of the Reproductive System T2 Casarett & Doull’s Essentials of Toxicology, 4e YR 2021 FD 2021 PB McGraw Hill PP New York, NY SN 9781260452297 LK accessbiomedicalscience.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1178015990 RD 2024/10/03 AB KEY POINTSThe gonads possess a dual function: an endocrine function involving the secretion of sex hormones and a nonendocrine function relating to the production of germ cells (gametogenesis).Gametogenic and secretory functions of either the ovary or testes are dependent on the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary.The blood–testis barrier between the lumen of an interstitial capillary and the lumen of a seminiferous tubule impedes or prevents the free exchange of chemicals/drugs between the blood and the fluid inside the seminiferous tubules.Xenobiotics can act directly on the hypothalamus and the adenohypophysis, leading to alterations in the secretion of hypothalamic-releasing hormones and/or gonadotropins.Steroid hormone biosynthesis can occur in several endocrine organs including the adrenal cortex, ovary, and the testes.Female reproductive processes of oogenesis, ovulation, the development of sexual receptivity, coitus, gamete and zygote transport, fertilization, and implantation of the conceptus may be sites of xenobiotic interference.Xenobiotics may influence male reproductive organ structure, spermatogenesis, androgen hormone secretion, and accessory organ function.