Swimming modifies the effect of noise stress on the HPG axis of male rats.

Abstract

Few studies have examined the effect of noise pollution on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In this study, the effects of noise pollution and swimming on the HPG hormone axis of male rats were investigated. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to four groups of equal size, including control (C), swimming (S), noise (N), and noise with swimming (NS). Serum levels of GnRH, LH, FSH, and testosterone were measured through blood samples taken 48h following the last session of treatment. The main treatment programs of voluntary swimming and noise stress were performed 5days per week over 7weeks. Serum levels of GnRH, LH, FSH, and testosterone decreased after exposure to the noise compared with the S and C groups, while in the S group, all hormone levels were higher than those in the C and N groups. Hormone levels of the SN group were higher than those in the N group but lower than those in the C group. Long-term exposure to noise is known to have a negative impact on male sex hormones, while submaximal swimming exercise is likely to reduce these effects and improve HPG axis hormones.