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Dr. Christopher Pearl

Assistant Professor

E-mail:christopher.pearl@wmich.edu

Office: 3149 Wood Hall
Lab: 3458 Haenicke Hall

Office Phone: 269-387-2084
Lab phone: 269-387-2102

Research Description

Area of Research: Mammalian Reproductive Physiology

My overall research interest centers on the hormonal control of male reproductive function. Primarily, I am interested in the role of steroids (androgen and estrogen) and gonadotropins (LH and FSH) in regulating epididymal development and function. While spermatogenesis occurs in the testis, the epididymal is essential for male gamete production. The epididymis is where the sperm acquire their motility, membrane integrity to fertilize and egg and where they are stored until ejaculation. Defects in the epididymis may casue subfertility or infertility; therefore, normal function is critical for maximum reproductive efficiency. Secondary interests include the control of LH and FSH secretion from the anterior pituitary gland.