Effect of immobilization stress on plasma luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and corticosterone concentrations and on 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in the testes of adult rats.
We have examined the effect of 3 hr of immobilization stress on plasma luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and corticosterone levels, and on the activity of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) in microsomal and mitochondrial fractions of the testis from adult rats. Immobilization for 3 hr increased plasma corticosterone and reduced plasma testosterone concentrations by 57%. Plasma luteinizing hormone levels were lower, although not significantly (P = 0.093) so, in stressed animals. Immobilization (3 hr) reduced the Vmax values of 3 beta-HSD in the mitochondria and in the microsomal fraction of the testis by 40% and 34%, respectively, but had no effect on the Km values of 3 beta-HSD in the two cellular compartments. These results suggest that the inhibition of the activity of 3 beta-HSD may be partially responsible for the disruption of testicular steroidogenesis during immobilization stress.
Srivastava
R K
RK
Department of Physiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310-1495.
Taylor
M F
MF
Mann
D R
DR
D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000097:blood*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008861:Microsomes / Q000201:enzymology; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000201:enzymology; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000097:blood*; D013737:Testis / Q000201:enzymology*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood*
D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D003345:Corticosterone