Protective effects of analogs of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone against x-radiation-induced testicular damage in rats
Possible protective effects of the agonist (D-Trp/sup 6/)LH-RH and antagonist N-Ac(D-Phe(pCl)/sup 1,2/,D-Trp/sup 3/,D-Arg/sup 6/,D-Ala/sup 10/)LH-RH against testicular damage caused by x-radiation were investigated in rats. Three months after being subjected to x-irradiation of the testes with 415 or 622 rads, control rats showed marked reduction in the weights of the testes and elevated levels of LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), indicating tubular damage. Histological studies demonstrated that, in testes of rats given 415 rads, most seminiferous tubules had only Sertoli cells and no germinal cells, and, in the group give 622 rads, the depression of spermatogenesis was even more marked. Rats pretreated for 50 days with LH-RH antagonist showed a complete recovery of testicular weights and spermatogenesis 3 months after 415 rads and showed partial recovery after 622 rads, and LH and FSH levels returned to normal in both of these groups. Three experiments were also carried out in which the rats were pretreated for 1-2 months with long-acting microcapsules of the agonist (D-Trp/sup 6/)LH-RH. Some rats were then subjected to gonadal irradiation with 415 or 622 rads and allowed a recovery period of 2-4 months. On the basis of testicular weights, histology, and gonadotropin levels, it could be concluded that the agonist (D-Trp/sup 6/)LH-RH did not protect the rat testes exposed to 622 rads and, at most, only partially protected against 415 rads. These results suggest that pretreatment with LH-RH antagonists and possibly agonists, might decrease the testicular damage caused by radiation and accelerate the recovery of reproductive functions.
- Research Organization:
- Tulane Univ. School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
- OSTI ID:
- 6121263
- Journal Information:
- Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.; (United States), Vol. 84:3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
LH-RH
RADIOSENSITIVITY EFFECTS
TESTES
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
FSH
HISTOLOGY
LH
MALES
RADIOPROTECTIVE SUBSTANCES
RATS
WEIGHT
X RADIATION
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
DRUGS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
GONADOTROPINS
GONADS
HORMONES
IONIZING RADIATIONS
LIBERINS
MALE GENITALS
MAMMALS
ORGANS
PEPTIDE HORMONES
PITUITARY HORMONES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
RODENTS
VERTEBRATES
560152* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Animals