A boy's micropenis was discovered when he was a newborn. The Sertoli cell activity is selectively impaired as a result of a known mutation in the NR5A1/SF-1 gene, according to genetic study. Unaffected is the rest of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The patient has a generally normal childhood and pubertal development and receives routine follow-up care from a pediatric endocrinologist. His serum hormone levels are measured at age 16. Which of the following blood hormone pattern patterns is most indicative of this patient's condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Inhibin is produced by Sertoli cells in response to FSH released by the anterior pituitary. The pituitary produces less FSH when inhibitin is present. In the seminiferous tubules, sertoli cells aid in spermatogenesis as well. Inhibin production would be reduced, FSH levels would rise, and fertility would be impacted by poor Sertoli cell function.

A Boy's Micropenis Was Discovered When He Was a Newborn