Recent progress in the studies of testicular microenvironment has provided some new ideas on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of related diseases. Testosterone, as an important androgen in men, regulates the physiological functions of males. The synthesis of testosterone is an extremely complex process, which mainly takes place in Leydig cells. However, Sertoli cells and testicular peritubular myoid cells, which constitute the testicular microenvironment, also play an essential role in the process of testosterone synthesis. This review focuses on the process of Leydig cells synthesizing testosterone and the effects of Sertoli cells and testicular peritubular myoid cells on testosterone synthesis from the perspective of testicular microenvironment, aiming to provide reference for the treatment and prevention of male diseases.
Keywords: testosterone; testicular microenvironment; Leydig cell; Sertoli cell; peritubular myoid cells.