Influence of short-term starvation on reproductive hormones secretion in male rats

ABSTRACT

The effects of short-term starvation [6 days] on the pituitary testicular function of adult male rats were studied, while the serum reproductive hormone levels were measured at the end of the study. Fasting decreased body weights by 19.83% [P< 0.001], testicular weights by 6.16% [P< 0.05] and those of seminal vesicles by 51.28% [P< 0.001]. On the other hand, the ventral prostate weights showed statistical non-significant 10.53% reduction. The serum level of the hormones were significantly declined. Lutenizing [LH] by 46.43% [P< 0.05], folliclestimulating [FSH] by 38.89% [P< 0.01], prolactin by 44.12% [P< 0.05] and testosterone by 39.71% [P< 0.01]. It is apparent from this study that, food restriction resulted in suppression of reproductive functions