The hormonal control of testicular descent

Abstract

The migration of the testes from the abdomen into the scrotum requires both an anatomical change in connecting structures and regulating signals to mediate this process. The gubernaculum is the principle structure in testicular descent. Its development appears to be controlled by insulin-like hormone 3 (INSL3) and androgen. This review article summarises the role of INSL3 and androgen in testicular descent. It also analyses the contribution of other hormones such as Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) and oestrogen to testicular descent. Furthermore, it reiterates findings that hormonal activation of the nervous system leads to neuropeptide secretion and further manipulation of this process.