Abstract
The relationship between testicular function and peripheral gonadotropin levels was investigated in adult hamsters throughout a 60-day period of light deprivation and then again after a return to normal light cycles (L:D, 14:10). Hypophyseal LH and plasma LH and FSH concentrations declined slowly and progressively (at least 5-fold) during the 60-day period of constant darkness. Thedecline in gonadotropin release was associated with a 73% decrease in plasma testosterone concentrations and a 4-fold reduction in the capacity of testicular tissue to convert [7-3H]progesterone to [3H]testosterone in vitro (p < 0.05). Testis atrophy accompanied the collapse of the hypophysealgonadonal endocrine system as evidenced by a 98% reduction in the relative number of step 7 spermatids and the absence of step 17 spermatids from the seminiferous epithelium. Once previously light-deprived hamsters (i.e., 60 days) were exposed o L:D, 14:10 cycles, hypophyseal LH and plasma LH and FSH levels returned to near control levels w...
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
