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Effects of Temperature on the Biochemistry of the Testis

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Temperature and Environmental Effects on the Testis

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 286))

Abstract

In most mammalian species, including human, the male gonads are located outside the body cavity in a highly specialized skin pouch — the scrotum. Generally, the scrotal and testicular temperatures are below the core body temperature, although the differences between abdominal and testicular temperatures vary among species 8.3 -8.5°C in the rat and mouse to approximately 2°C in the rhesus monkey (Harrison and Weiner, 1948). The lower temperature is of great importance for the maintenance of normal testicular functions, particularly the process of spermatogenesis. Clearly, the existing mechanisms for controlling testicular temperature must have developed through evolutionary processes to assure the survival of the species; however, the reason as to why nature chose this particular form of adaptation is not clear.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA

    Anna Steinberger

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  1. Anna Steinberger
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA

    Adrian W. Zorgniotti M.D. (Conference Chairman) (Conference Chairman)

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© 1991 Plenum Press, New York

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Steinberger, A. (1991). Effects of Temperature on the Biochemistry of the Testis. In: Zorgniotti, A.W. (eds) Temperature and Environmental Effects on the Testis. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 286. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5913-5_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5913-5_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

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