Male reproductive tract sensitivity to ethanol: a critical overview

While endocrinological effects of acute and chronic ethanol ingestion have been extensively reviewed, a survey of ethanol induced functional and physical perturbations of the male reproductive tract remains lacking. A brief overview of recent literature concerned with ethanol sensitivity of various components of the reproductive tract is presented. Clinical findings are reviewed as they relate to the possible pathogenesis of alcohol-related testicular atrophy. Currently available animal models for the study of ethanol-induced male reproductive failure are discussed. Attempts have been made to separate the contribution of ethanol per se from secondary factors, such as hepatic dysfunction and nutritional deficiency, to manifestations of male infertility. Studies directed toward elucidating the mechanism(s) by which ethanol exerts its inhibitory effect on testicular steroidogenesis are discussed. Finally, evidence suggesting an effect of ethanol on the functional integrity of other components of the reproductive tract is reviewed. It is concluded that ethanol is a male reproductive tract toxin. Future clinical studies of alcoholics afflicted with testicular atrophy, but having normal liver histology, will be of great value in efforts to identify the mechanisms by which chronic ethanol ingestion results in reproductive impairment. Similar benefits will be realized in laboratory experimentation, in which models are employed that describe ethanol-induced infertility, while minimizing nutritional factors and hepatic involvement, and control for the reproductive maturity of the organism.