Genetic abnormalities and reproductive failure.

Adequate male development and spermatogenesis involve a complex array of events, all prescribed by numerous gene products in an orderly temporal and spatial sequence. A single defect in any portion of these myriad steps may lead to total failure of testicular development or simply subtle spermatogenic deficiency. As emphasis continues to be placed upon elucidation of the molecular and genetic basis underlying clinical and phenotypic human failings, knowledge will slowly accumulate to explain these failings and, it is hoped, to suggest treatment strategies for some.