Neuroendocrine and reproductive aspects of adult male rats exposed neonatally to an antiestrogen.
The present study was designed to investigate the effects of a single dose of an estrogen antagonist-clomiphene-during neonatal life, on later neuroendocrine system and reproductive performance. Immediately after birth, male pups received clomiphene citrate (s.c.). At adulthood, although testosterone levels and wet weights of reproductive organs were not altered, the treatment induced an increased number of spermatozoa and a delay in the transit time in the cauda epididymis. Additionally, there was impairment of sexual behavior evidenced by a delay in the latencies to the first mount and first intromission. Treated rats also showed decreased dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmissions in the hypothalamus and decreased dopaminergic neurotransmission in the striatum. The decreased dopaminergic activity could be related to the lower sexual motivation observed. These results indicate the necessity of preventing exposure to drugs that may impair sexual differentiation, which can compromise later mating success as well as the capacity to generate descendants.
Gerardin
Daniela C C
DC
Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, UNESP, 18618-000 Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Bernardi
Maria M
MM
Moreira
Estefânia G
EG
Pereira
Oduvaldo C M
OC
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D002996:Clomiphene / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D020847:Estrogen Receptor Modulators / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012733:Sex Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D020847:Estrogen Receptor Modulators; D002996:Clomiphene; D013739:Testosterone; D004298:Dopamine; D009638:Norepinephrine