Dose and time related responses of the irradiated prepubertal rat testis. I. Leydig cell function.
The testes of prepubertal rats were locally irradiated with 300 kVp x-rays to doses of between 1 and 15 Gy. Leydig cell function was assessed between 2 and 36 weeks post-irradiation. Dysfunction was observed at two weeks as evidenced by a reduction in serum levels of testosterone to between 40 and 70% of control, with a threshold dose of about 5 Gy. Endocrine deficiencies in the Leydig cell population were indicated at later times by increased serum levels of LH, although serum testosterone concentrations recovered to control levels. The elevations in serum LH increased with time suggesting progressive Leydig cell failure.
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000528:radiation effects; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000528:radiation effects*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size / Q000528:radiation effects; D051381:Rats; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism; D011974:Receptors, LH; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D011974:Receptors, LH; D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone