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Effects of diethylstilboestrol on testicular function and luteinizing hormone receptors
A G Amador1, A I Esquifino, A Bartke
1Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale 62901-6512.
Abstract:
Adult male Fisher-344 rats were implanted with DES-filled or empty Silastic capsules. After 14 weeks, capsules were removed and a second group of rats received DES capsules. Seven weeks later, all the rats were sacrificed. DES treatment decreased body, testes and seminal vesicle weights, and removal of the capsules partially restored the weight of these organs. The concentration of testicular LH receptors was increased by DES treatment. Circulating PRL levels were increased and gonadotropin levels were reduced in all animals having received DES at anytime. Plasma testosterone (T) levels were similar in all groups, but testicular T levels were reversibly decreased by DES. Similarly, whereas basal incubation media T levels were unchanged by DES treatment, the steroidogenic response in vitro to hCG was abolished by the presence of DES, and removal of the capsules restored this response. It appears that in this animal model DES and PRL exert opposing effects on testicular LH receptor.
Insights
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure in adult male rats reversibly reduced reproductive organ weights and testicular testosterone production. DES also altered hormone levels and LH receptor concentrations, with effects partially reversed upon capsule removal.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic estrogen with known endocrine-disrupting properties.
- Understanding the long-term effects of DES on the male reproductive system is crucial for assessing health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of DES exposure and subsequent withdrawal on reproductive organ weights, hormone levels, and testicular function in adult male rats.
- To examine the impact of DES on luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors and testosterone production in the testes.
Main Methods:
- Adult male Fisher-344 rats were implanted with DES-filled or empty Silastic capsules for varying durations.
- Reproductive organ weights, circulating hormone levels (PRL, gonadotropins, testosterone), testicular LH receptor concentration, and in vitro steroidogenic response to hCG were measured.
Main Results:
- DES treatment significantly decreased body, testes, and seminal vesicle weights, which were partially restored after capsule removal.
- DES increased testicular LH receptor concentration and circulating prolactin (PRL) levels, while reducing gonadotropin levels.
- Plasma testosterone levels were unaffected, but testicular testosterone levels and the in vitro steroidogenic response to hCG were reversibly decreased by DES.
Conclusions:
- DES exposure in adult male rats causes reversible adverse effects on reproductive organ weights and testicular function.
- DES and PRL appear to exert opposing influences on testicular LH receptors in this animal model.
- The findings highlight the potential for endocrine disruptors like DES to impact male reproductive health.