Jim has just been diagnosed with testicular cancer.The tumor is composed of Sertoli cells and they have begun to produce excessive amounts of inhibin.Which of the following would be TRUE?
A)FSH secretion would be selectively inhibited,but LH secretion would be normal.
B)Spermatogenesis would be increased but testosterone secretion would be normal.
C)Spermatogenesis would be increased because testosterone production would be above normal.
D)Gonadotropin-releasing hormone levels and spermatogenesis would increase above normal.
E)Both FSH and LH secretion would rise above normal levels.

Question

Jim has just been diagnosed with testicular cancer.The tumor is composed of Sertoli cells and they have begun to produce excessive amounts of inhibin.Which of the following would be TRUE? 
A)FSH secretion would be selectively inhibited,but LH secretion would be normal.
B)Spermatogenesis would be increased but testosterone secretion would be normal.
C)Spermatogenesis would be increased because testosterone production would be above normal.
D)Gonadotropin-releasing hormone levels and spermatogenesis would increase above normal.
E)Both FSH and LH secretion would rise above normal levels.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sertoli cells produce inhibin, which selectively inhibits FSH secretion from the anterior pituitary. Thus, choice A is correct as only FSH secretion would be selectively inhibited but LH secretion would be normal. The excessive inhibin production would lead to a decrease in FSH, which in turn would lead to a decrease in spermatogenesis. Testosterone production may or may not be affected by the tumor.

Jim Has Just Been Diagnosed with Testicular Cancer