Abstract
Abstract
We have examined the effect of 3 hr of immobilization stress on plasma luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and corticosterone levels, and on the activity of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) in microsomal and mitochondrial fractions of the testis from adult rats. Immobilization for 3 hr increased plasma corticosterone and reduced plasma testosterone concentrations by 57%. Plasma luteinizing hormone levels were lower, although not significantly (P = 0.093) so, in stressed animals. Immobilization (3 hr) reduced the V max values of 3β-HSD in the mitochondria and in the microsomal fraction of the testis by 40% and 34%, respectively, but had no effect on the Km values of 3β-HSD in the two cellular compartments. These results suggest that the inhibition of the activity of 3β-HSD may be partially responsible for the disruption of testicular steroidogenesis during immobilization stress.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.