Korean J Urol.  2006 Nov;47(11):1197-1203. 10.4111/kju.2006.47.11.1197.

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

• Joo JS
• Park K
• Ahn KY
• Park YI

• KMID: 2294279
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4111/kju.2006.47.11.1197

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.

Keyword

Immobilization; Testosterone; Spermatogenesis

MeSH Terms

Adult
Animals
Biopsy
Corticosterone
Follicle Stimulating Hormone
Humans
Immobilization*
Male
Models, Animal
Phenobarbital
Rats
Seminiferous Tubules
Spermatogenesis*
Steel
Testis
Testosterone*
Corticosterone
Follicle Stimulating Hormone
Phenobarbital
Steel
Testosterone

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Cross-section of the testis in the immobilization stress groups (I, III, V) and the control groups (II, IV, VI). The microscopic findings show widening of the seminiferous tubule lumen in groups I and III. In the immobilization stress groups; more deterioration in spermatogenesis is observed (group I>III>V). In the control groups; normal spermatogenesis in all types of cell (H&E stain, scale bar is 50µm).

• 

  Fig. 2 Effects of long-term immobilization on the seminiferous tubule. Group I: markedly reduces germinal epithelium, with a few mature spermatid at luminal edge. Group II shows normal spermatogenesis in all types of cell. Immobilization stress group (Group I) vs control group (Group II) (H&E stain, scale bar is 10µm).

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