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Infrasound-induced changes on sexual behavior in male rats and some underlying mechanisms
Zhiqiang Zhuang1, Zhaohui Pei, Jingzao Chen
1Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation of Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 17, Changle Western Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710032, PR China.
Abstract:
To investigate some bioeffects of infrasound on copulation as well as underlying mechanisms, we inspected the changes of sexual behavior, serum testosterone concentration and mRNA expression levels of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and cytochrome P450 cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) in testes of rats exposed to infrasound of 8Hz at 90 or 130dB for 1, 7, 14 and 21 days (2h/day), respectively. Rats exposed to 90dB exhibited significant decrement in sexual behavior, serum testosterone levels and mRNA expression levels of StAR and P450scc at the time point of 1 day but not at the rest time points, and no significantly change of SF-1 mRNA expression was observed over the period of 21 days in spite of mild fluctuation. Rats exposed to 130dB exhibited significant decrement in all aspects above, which became more profound with prolonged exposure. Our conclusion is that adverse bioeffects of infrasound on reproduction depend on some exposure parameters, the mechanism of which could involve in the decreased expression of some key enzymes or regulator for testosterone biosynthesis.
Insights
Infrasound exposure negatively impacts rat sexual behavior and testosterone production. Higher intensity and longer exposure to infrasound exacerbate these reproductive bioeffects.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Infrasound, low-frequency sound below 20 Hz, is increasingly prevalent in industrial and urban environments.
- Potential health impacts of infrasound exposure are not fully understood, particularly concerning reproductive functions.
- Previous research suggests environmental stressors can affect hormonal balance and reproductive success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bioeffects of infrasound on rat copulation and reproductive parameters.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of infrasound-induced reproductive changes.
- To assess the dose-dependent and time-dependent effects of infrasound exposure.
Main Methods:
- Male rats were exposed to 8 Hz infrasound at 90 dB or 130 dB for 2 hours daily over 1, 7, 14, and 21 days.
- Evaluated sexual behavior, serum testosterone concentrations, and mRNA expression of key steroidogenic genes (SF-1, StAR, P450scc) in testes.
- Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant changes.
Main Results:
- Exposure to 90 dB infrasound caused significant decrements in sexual behavior, testosterone levels, and StAR/P450scc mRNA expression at day 1.
- No significant changes in SF-1 mRNA expression were observed at any time point.
- Exposure to 130 dB infrasound resulted in profound and progressive decrements in all measured reproductive parameters with prolonged exposure.
Conclusions:
- Adverse bioeffects of infrasound on reproduction are dependent on exposure parameters (intensity and duration).
- The mechanism may involve the downregulation of key enzymes and regulators in testosterone biosynthesis.
- Infrasound poses a potential risk to reproductive health, necessitating further investigation into protective strategies.
