Abstract
Psychological stress (PS) disturbs the reproductive endocrine system and promotes male infertility, but the underlying pathogenic mechanisms have not been extensively studied. This study aimed to uncover the mechanisms of PS-induced male reproductive related abnormalities subjected to a ‘terrified sound’ exposure. Male rats subjected to PS displayed slow growth, decreased sperm quality, abnormal levels of the reproductive endocrine hormones, decreased expression of the reproductive-related proteins androgen-binding protein (ABP) and bromodomain-containing protein (BRDT), increased apoptosis in the testis, and accompanied by elevated levels of β-endorphin (β-EP). These effects were reversed by naloxone. Furthermore, PS-induced β-EP could promote mu opioid receptor (MOR) activation and ensure intracellular p38 MAPK phosphorylation and then lead to Leydig cells (LCs) apoptosis. The current result showed that β-EP was a key factor to PS-induced male infertility.
Highlights
Male infertility can lower self-esteem and disrupt family harmony
To establish a chronic Psychological stress (PS) model, adult male SD rats were exposed to a ‘terrified sound’ stress in two daily 3-h sessions for 21 consecutive days
To confirm if β-EP elevation is directly involved in male reproduction, we examined the effects of β-EP administration with or without the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone
Summary
Male infertility can lower self-esteem and disrupt family harmony. This condition may be difficult to treat because the underlying cause is unknown in the majority (about 70%) of cases [1]. Psychological stress (PS) has been reported that it could lead to a significant decrease in plasma testosterone (T) levels [2,3], thereby reducing sperm quantity and vitality [4]. Β-endorphin (β-EP) may be a critical mediator of male infertility due to PS. It is synthesized and secreted in both central nervous system structures controlling sexual function, notably the pituitary and hypothalamus, as well as in the testis, including LCs and sperm [9]. Systemic levels increase at least five- to tenfold under stress [10,11,12,13] and elevation is strongly associated with hyperactivity of
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