[Morphofunctional changes in the endocrine system of male rats during microgravity and suspension]

Morphofunctional changes in somatotrophs and gonadotrophs of the adenohypophysis and Leydig's cells in the testicles were investigated histologically and hystomorphometrically in male rats following microgravity or tail-suspension. Deficient loading of the musculoskeletal system in microgravity was shown to suppress the functional activity of somatotrophs, gonadotrophs and, seemingly, Leydig's cells. As a consequence, blood levels of the growth hormone and testosterone reduced in the space-flown rats. Reduction of the production of the main anabolic hormones is one of the causes for growth inhibition, prevalence of catabolism and consequent muscular atrophy and osteopenia. Simulation of the lack of weight loading inherent to the zero-g environment by suspension also leads to suppression of the somatotrophs activity, whereas the concentration and functional activity of gonadotrophs make a sharp rise. Proliferation of Leydig's cells in the testicles was noted to be very high despite desolation of the seminal canals and disintegration of the testicle epithelium. These findings drive to the conclusion that suspension affects deeply the spermiogenous and androgenous functions of the testicle which is not observed in animals exposed to microgravity. These differences evidence that genesis of the musculoskeletal atrophy in the suspended and space-flown rats was dissimilar.