[Progresses on macrophages of male reproductive tract]

Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2002 Dec;8(6):449-51.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

The review summarized the recent progress on macrophages of male reproductive tract and the action of macrophages on male reproductive physiology and pathology. The close correlation and effect between testicular macrophages and Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, germ cells, hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis were introduced, respectively. At the same time, it pointed out the changes of macrophages' morphology and function in immune orchitis, and their regulation on the development of orchitis. So the complex immune regulation network in testes and testicular macrophages playing an important role on spermatogenesis and the stableness of spermatogenetic microenvironment in testes were further illuminated, which can provide theoretical basis for clinic therapy.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Genitalia, Male / cytology
  • Genitalia, Male / immunology
  • Genitalia, Male / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / cytology
  • Macrophages / immunology*
  • Male
  • Orchitis / immunology
  • Orchitis / pathology
  • Spermatogenesis / physiology