Reproductive fitness in roe bucks (Capreolus capreolus):: seasonal timing of testis function

The exact seasonal timing of normal testis function is a crucial precondition for the reproductive fitness of roe bucks and for successful breeding during rut in July-August. Production of spermatozoa and testosterone requires both endocrine regulation and local testicular control by autocrine/paracrine factors. These local control mechanisms include the action of several growth factors. Our short review assigns histological organization of roe deer testis to new data on the involvement of several growth factors in its regulation. The expression of growth factors is season-specific and cell-type-specific. This suggests its functional role in the complex interaction between germinative and somatic cells for the regulation of testis growth, spermatogenesis and function of hormone-producing cells.