Gonadotrophin levels and morphological testicular features in rats after different doses of the phytoestrogen coumestrol.
BACKGROUND
Phytoestrogens are a wide variety of chemical compounds, mainly isoflavonoids, from a vegetable source. Their name makes reference to their ability to induce estrogenic responses in mammals. Coumestrol is a phytoestrogen that can be found in high concentrations in the dietary elements of cattle. Some endocrine alterations have been reported for cows and ewes after ingestion of vegetables with high concentrations of coumestrol. However, these studies have been made mainly in females.


OBJECTIVE
To analyze some features of the masculine endocrine response in rats after several doses of the phytoestrogen coumestrol.


METHODS
Adult male rats were injected with several doses of coumestrol. Plasma gonadotrophins (LH/FSH) and testosterone levels were assessed. In addition, morphology of the testicles was analyzed.


METHODS
Experiments were done in the facilities of the neurosciences area at the University.


RESULTS
No significant changes were observed in gonadotrophin levels after the administration of coumestrol. Testosterone levels showed a significant decrease with the higher doses. Morphological analysis showed an inhibitory effect on spermatogenesis expressed mainly in the right testicle. Testicular volume decreased and the tubular area increased significantly after coumestrol treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the endocrine effect of coumestrol is mainly expressed in peripheral targets in male rats. In addition, the possible mediation of estrogen beta receptors is discussed.
Tarragó-Castellanos
C Rosario
CR
Department of Biology of Reproduction, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, CP 09340, México City, Mexico.
García-Lorenzana
C Mario
CM
Diaz-Sánchez
Vicente
V
Velázquez-Moctezuma
Javier
J
D000818:Animals; D003375:Coumestrol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006728:Hormones / Q000097:blood*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D006728:Hormones; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D003375:Coumestrol