The Effect of Long-term Immobilization Stress on Spermatogenesis and Testosterone Production / 대한비뇨기과학회지

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term immobilization stress on spermatogenesis and testosterone production in a rat model. Materials and Methods: Thirty randomly selected adult male rats were divided into 6 groups: immobilization stress groups (I, III, V) and control groups (II, IV, VI). In the immobilization stress groups, 15 rats were immobilized in a steel cage for 6 hours per day for 14 days. Groups I and II were sacrificed just after finishing the immobilization session. Groups III and IV were sacrificed after a 1 week resting period. Groups V and VI were sacrificed after a 2 week resting period. The serum concentrations of corticosterone, luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone were measured. Specimens of the testis were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome. Results: Following 2 weeks of immobilization, the serum concentration of corticosterone was significantly increased; whereas, the serum concentrations of LH and testosterone were decreased. However, the serum FSH concentration remained unchanged. After the 1 week resting period, there were significant recoveries in the serum concentrations of corticosterone, LH and testosterone. From the histology of the immobilization group, the mean testicular biopsy score (Johnsen score) was significantly decreased, but the mean value of the seminiferous tubule luminal diameter was significantly increased; whereas, that of the seminiferous tubule diameter remained unchanged. These changes slowly recovered after the resting period. Conclusions: These results suggest that the exposure to long-term immobilization impairs spermatogenesis and androgenic testicular functions in rats.