摘要
Glucocorticoids are well-known as mediators of the systemic stress response. Increased glucocorticoid release and synthesis in response to endogenous or exogenous stressors have been shown to impair testicular hormone production in a variety of species and therefore may affect fertility. However, the physiological involvement of glucocorticoid hormones in tissue maturation and differentiation during both fetal and postnatal life is at least of similar importance as their role in the stress response. A well-regulated balance between beneficial and detrimental glucocorticoid hormone levels is therefore of utmost importance for tissue development as well as maintenance of tissue function. In the issue of the Asian Journal of Andrology,
Glucocorticoids are well-known as mediators of the systemic stress response. Increased glucocorticoid release and synthesis in response to endogenous or exogenous stressors have been shown to impair testicular hormone production in a variety of species and therefore may affect fertility. However, the physiological involvement of glucocorticoid hormones in tissue maturation and differentiation during both fetal and postnatal life is at least of similar importance as their role in the stress response. A well-regulated balance between beneficial and detrimental glucocorticoid hormone levels is therefore of utmost importance for tissue development as well as maintenance of tissue function. In the issue of the Asian Journal of Andrology,
