Changes in corticosterone levels and sperm functional activity by chronic stress in rats.
Corticosterone levels and epididymal sperm functional activity have been studied in rats subjected to immobilization stress (A: 12 days) or variable chronic stress (B: 24 days; C: 32 days and D: 32 days plus 28 days without stress). Plasma corticosterone levels were significantly enhanced in B and C groups. Body and testicular weight significantly decreased in C and D groups. A decrease in viability or percentage of progressive epididymal spermatozoa was detected in C and D groups. Responses of spermatozoa to hypoosmotic shock remained unaltered in all groups. Results suggest that sustained increase in activity of the hypothalamo-adenohypophyseal-adrenal cortical system alters the activity of the hypothalamo-adenohypophyseal-testicular axis.
Suárez
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M
Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, República Argentina.
Fiol de Cuneo
M
M
Vincenti
L
L
Ruiz
R D
RD
D000818:Animals; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000097:blood*; D007103:Immobilization; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013737:Testis / Q000502:physiology
D003345:Corticosterone