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Pituitary and testicular function in the restricted (Hre) rat
J J Heindel1, A S Berkowitz, H E Grotjan
1Department of Biology, University of Mississippi.
International Journal of Andrology
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Male restricted (Hre) rats exhibit infertility due to delayed puberty and suppressed spermatogenesis. This is linked to abnormal pituitary-testicular axis function, affecting gonadotrophs, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
- Animal Models
Background:
- The pituitary-testicular axis regulates male reproduction.
- Infertility in male restricted (Hre) rats requires investigation into its underlying mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically examine the pituitary-testicular axis in Hre rats to identify the causes of their infertility.
- To elucidate the specific sites and mechanisms responsible for reproductive dysfunction in Hre rats.
Main Methods:
- Morphological and biochemical analysis of the pituitary-testicular axis.
- Measurement of plasma hormone levels (LH, FSH, prolactin, testosterone).
- In vitro and in vivo assessment of Leydig cell function and Sertoli cell response to hormones.
Main Results:
- Hre rats showed elevated LH and FSH, normal prolactin and testosterone, and normal accessory gland weights.
- Pituitary gonadotrophs exhibited hypertrophy and vacuolation.
- Leydig cells had an enhanced in vitro testosterone response to LH/hCG, but not in vivo.
- Sertoli cells displayed an altered FSH response, correlating with delayed pubertal testicular growth.
Conclusions:
- Infertility in Hre rats involves a delayed onset of spermatogenesis and adult inhibition.
- Abnormal function of both Sertoli and Leydig cells likely contributes to suppressed spermatogenesis.
- The findings highlight complex disruptions in the pituitary-testicular axis contributing to male infertility.