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Effects of Chronic Renal Failure on Hypothalamo‐Pituitary‐Testicular Axis Function and Fertility in Rats
Author(s) -
Yamamoto Yasuhisa,
Sofikitis Nikolaos,
Miyagawa Ikuo
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
international journal of urology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.172
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1442-2042
pISSN - 0919-8172
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-2042.1996.tb00581.x
Subject(s) - medicine , endocrinology , human chorionic gonadotropin , prolactin , testosterone (patch) , gonadotropin , basal (medicine) , creatinine , sperm , hormone , andrology , insulin
Background: We evaluated the effects of chronic renal failure on hypothalamo‐pituitary‐testicular axis function in male Wistar rats. Methods: Chronic renal failure was induced by five‐sixths nephrectomy in male rats. Seven to 10 weeks after the surgery, serum urea and creatinine concentrations and hematocrits were evaluated, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) tests, and prolactin stimulating antl suppression tests were performed. In addition, androgen‐binding protein, epididymal sperm content, motility, ancl fertile potential were assessed. Results: Basal serum testosterone concentrations and the response of testosterone to hCG were significantly lower in rats with chronic renal failure than in controls. Basal serum gonadotropin levels were elevated in rats with chronic renal failure, but the gonadotropin response to GnRH did not differ from that in controls. Serum protactin IeveIs responded appropriately to stimuIation and suppression tests. Androgen‐binding protein levels, epididymal sperm content, motility, and fertile potential were significantly lower in uremic rats. Conclusions: Chronic rend failure in rats interferes with endocrinologic mechanisms and testicular functions. Thus, uremic rats have a low fertile potential.