Effects of chronic renal failure on hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis function and fertility in rats.

Abstract

We evaluated the effects of chronic renal failure on hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis function in male Wistar rats. Chronic renal failure was induced by five-sixths nephrectomy in male rats. Seven to 10 weeks after the surgery, serum area and creatinine concentrations and hematocrits were evaluated, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) tests, and prolactin stimulating and suppression tests were performed. In addition, androgen-binding protein, epididymal sperm content, motility, and fertile potential were assessed. 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 prolactin levels responded appropriately to stimulation and suppression tests. Androgen-binding protein levels, epididymal sperm content, motility, and fertile potential were significantly lower in chronic rats. Chronic renal failure in rats interferes with endocrinologic mechanisms and testicular functions. Thus, uremic rats have a low fertile potential.