Abstract
Abstract
The effects of subcutaneous implantation of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) on serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and on testicular morphology were investigated in adult male rats. Four weeks after a single implantation of 5-HT (10 mg/kg body weight) a significant increase in serum FSH and a decrease in testes weights were observed. Histological examination of the testes indicated degenerative changes in a few seminiferous tubules. Implantation of 5-HT at two successive 4-week intervals or implantation of 5-HT once followed by methysergide maleate 4 weeks later resulted in reduction of testes size, increase in serum FSH and LH, and extensive degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules. Implantation of methysergide maleate alone did not have any effect on hormonal profiles, body weight, and testes weight. It is suggested that the serum gonadotropin increase is secondary to the 5-HT effect on testes and is probably attributable to the interference in the feedback mechanism(s) from the testis to the anterior pituitary gland.
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