Chronic unpredictable mild stress increases serum aldosterone without affecting corticosterone levels and induces hepatic steatosis and renal injury in young adult male rats.

Stress is often associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms in adolescents. Stress is associated with components of metabolic syndrome and inflammation. The present study hypothesizes that aldosterone, more than corticosterone, promotes chronic stress-hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, as well as renal inflammation and fibrosis in young adult rats. Thirty-two young adult male Wistar rats of 51 days old were divided into four groups (n = 8 per group): Control (C), chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), control plus vehicle (C plus veh), CUMS plus eplerenone, a selective aldosterone blocker (CUMS plus EP). On postnatal day 51, eplerenone was administered orally through a gastric tube two hours before the start of the stress test. The CUMS paradigm was administered once daily at different times, with no repetition of the stressor sequence for four weeks. Renal inflammation and fibrosis were measured, as well as liver glycogen, triacylglycerol, and fibrosis levels. The serum concentrations of corticosterone, aldosterone, sodium, and creatinine were measured in urine and serum. The CUMS group showed a high level of serum aldosterone without affecting the level of corticosterone, increased urinary sodium, tubular atrophy, glomerular sclerosis, the presence of inflammation, and fibrosis, without affecting creatinine, increased glycogen content, triacylglycerol, and moderate fibrosis in the liver, and treatment with eplerenone prevented the inflammation, fibrosis, glycogen, and triacylglycerol. Our results show that chronic stress-induced aldosterone promotes hepatic steatosis and renal injury more than corticosterone. The prevention by eplerenone supports our hypothesis.

Sucrose consumption modifies the urethrogenital reflex and histological organization of the bulbospongiosus muscle in the male rat.

Disorders of the bulbospongiosus muscle (Bsm) are associated with male sexual dysfunction, such as premature ejaculation. We determined the effect of sucrose-water consumption during pregnancy-lactation and postnatal on reflex responses and morphology of Bsm fibers in adult male Wistar rat offspring. Female rats were mated and grouped into consumed tap water mothers and sucrose-water (5 %) mothers during pregnancy-lactation to obtain experimental groups. Male pups were weaned and assigned into four groups (n = 12; each group). Those from control mothers who continued drinking tap water (CM-CO group) or sucrose water (CM-SO group), and those from sucrose mothers who drank tap water (SM-CO group) or continued drinking sucrose water (SM-SO group) until adult life. In male rat offspring (n = 6 per group) was recorded the electrical activity of Bsm was recorded during penile stimulation and urethrogenital reflex (UGR). Other male rat offspring were designated for histological analysis (n = 6 per group). Sucrose consumption during prenatal stages increased the frequency of the Bsm during UGR, while pre and postnatal consumption modified muscle fiber cross-sectional area and increased the collagen content, suggesting that a combination of a diet with pre- and postnatal sucrose changes the Bsm morphophysiology possibly causing male sexual dysfunctions.

Preventive Effect of Molecular Iodine in Pancreatic Disorders from Hypothyroid Rabbits.

Pancreatic alterations such as inflammation and insulin resistance accompany hypothyroidism. Molecular iodine (I2) exerts antioxidant and differentiation actions in several tissues, and the pancreas is an iodine-uptake tissue. We analyzed the effect of two oral I2 doses on pancreatic disorders in a model of hypothyroidism for 30 days. Adult female rabbits were divided into the following groups: control, moderate oral dose of I2 (0.2 mg/kg, M-I2), high oral dose of I2 (2.0 mg/kg, H-I2), oral dose of methimazole (MMI; 10 mg/kg), MMI + M-I2,, and MMI + H-I2. Moderate or high I2 supplementation did not modify circulating metabolites or pancreatic morphology. The MMI group showed reductions of circulating thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), moderate glucose increments, and significant increases in cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins. Acinar fibrosis, high insulin content, lipoperoxidation, and overexpression of GLUT4 were observed in the pancreas of this group. M-I2 supplementation normalized the T4 and cholesterol, but T3 remained low. Pancreatic alterations were prevented, and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), antioxidant enzymes, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) maintained their basal values. In MMI + H-I2, hypothyroidism was avoided, but pancreatic alterations and low PPARG expression remained. In conclusion, M-I2 supplementation reestablishes thyronine synthesis and diminishes pancreatic alterations, possibly related to Nrf2 and PPARG activation.

Corrigendum: Maternal and offspring sugar consumption increases perigonadal adipose tissue hypertrophy and negatively affects the testis histological organization in adult rats.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.893099.].

G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30) levels in pelvic floor muscles and its association with estrogen status in female rabbits.

Objective: To assess the relative expression of the G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in the bulbospongiosus (Bsm) and pubococcygeus (Pcm) muscles in control, ovariectomized (OVX), and OVX with estradiol benzoate supplementation (OVX + EB) rabbits.Methods: We used tissues from C, 1-month OVX, and OVX plus 15-day EB implanted (OVX + EB) groups. The GPER expression was evaluated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry for both Bsm and Pcm. Results: Both muscles showed a GPER immunoreactivity in blood vessels, inside myofibers next to myonuclei, and in polymorphonuclear cells. Four-week ovariectomy did not modify the GPER expression in the Bsm and Pcm, but two-week estradiol benzoate increased it in the latter muscle alone.Conclusions: We demonstrated that the Bsm and Pcm of female rabbits express GPER. High serum estradiol levels elevate GPER relative expression in the Pcm alone. The present study supports the remarkable estrogen sensitivity of the Pcm.

Effects of hypothyroidism on the female pancreas involve the regulation of estrogen receptors.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of short-time hypothyroidism on the expression of aromatase, estrogen receptors (ERα, ß), and GPR30 in the pancreas of female rabbits. The formation of new islets and the expression of insulin, GLUT4, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were also analyzed. This purpose is based on actions that thyroid hormones and estrogens have on ß-cells differentiation, acinar cell function, and insulin secretion. Twelve Chinchilla-breed adult virgin female rabbits were divided into control (n = 6) and hypothyroid (n = 6; methimazole 10 mg/kg for 30 days) groups. In the complete pancreas, expressions of aromatase and estrogen receptors, as well as proinsulin, GLUT4, and LDH were determined by western blot. Characteristics of islets were measured in slices of the pancreas with immunohistochemistry for insulin. Islet and acinar cells express aromatase, ERα, ERß, and GPR30. Hypothyroidism increased the expression of ERα and diminished that for aromatase, ERß, and GPR30 in the pancreas. It also promoted a high number of extra small islets (new islets) and increased the expression of proinsulin and GLUT4 in the pancreas. Our results show that actions of thyroid hormones and estrogens on ß-cells neogenesis, acinar cell function, and synthesis and secretion of insulin are linked. Thus, the effects of hypothyroidism on the pancreas could include summatory actions of thyroid hormones plus estrogens. Our findings indicate the importance of monitoring estrogen levels and actions on the pancreas of hypothyroid women, particularly when serum estrogen concentrations are affected such as menopausal, pregnant, and those with contraceptive use.

Estrogens influence differentially on the pelvic floor muscles activation at somatovisceral reflexes involved in micturition of rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the estrogen-dependency of the bladder and urethral function and the coordinated activation of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) during micturition. METHODS: We allocated age-matched female rabbits to control, 1-month ovariectomized (OVX), and OVX plus 2-week estradiol benzoate (EB) groups to record cystometry, urethral pressure, and electromyograms of bulbospongiosus (Bsm), and pubococcygeus muscles (Pcm) simultaneously. We also measured serum estradiol levels and myofiber cross-sectional area. We assessed urodynamic and urethral variables, categorized the Bsm-Pcm activation patterns at storage and voiding phases, and obtained the power spectrum density of muscle activation around the voiding phase. We investigated the influence of ovarian hormones, in general, and the contribution of estrogen, particularly on the functions of the bladder, urethra, and PFM. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Ovarian hormones influence the bladder, urethral, and PFM functions. The urodynamics analyses indicated estrogens contribute to voiding duration and, to a lesser extent, to the time between bladder contractions. Urethral pressure at closure (maximal pressure-to-maximal urethral pressure ratio) improved partially (8%, P < 0.05) in the OVX plus 2-week estradiol benzoate compared with OVX, but urethral resistance increased (∼1.9-fold, P < 0.05) compared with control rabbits. Our findings support that Pcm activity at voiding is estrogen-sensitive, albeit EB administration reduced it at storage resume, which relates to high urethral resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Ovariectomy impairs bladder and urethral pressures and Bsm and Pcm activation at micturition in anesthetized rabbits. Estrogen administration partially reverts some of these effects and influences Pcm activation.

Differential estrogen-related responses in myofiber cross-sectional area of pelvic floor muscles in female rats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of estrogens in myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA) of the pubococcyegeus (Pcm) and iliococcygeus muscles (Icm). METHODS: In Experiment 1, we excised the Pcm and Icm during the metestrus and proestrus stages of the estrous cycle to measure the myofiber CSA. In Experiment 2, we allocated other rats into the following groups: sham (Sh), ovariectomized (OVX), OVX plus 1,4,6-androstatriene-3,17-dione (ATD; OVX + ATD), an aromatase inhibitor, and OVX plus estradiol benzoate (OVX + EB). We carried out appropriate statistical tests to determine significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in variables measured for both Experiments. RESULTS: The Pcm myofiber CSA at proestrus was higher than at metestrus, while the Icm myofiber CSA did not change. Ovariectomy increased the Pcm myofiber CSA, which was exacerbated with the ATD administration. The EB supplementation successfully reversed the ovariectomy-induced enlargement of the CSA. No significant changes were detected for the Icm myofiber CSA. CONCLUSIONS: Fluctuating ovarian steroid levels at the estrus cycle significantly influence the CSA myofiber of the Pcm but not that of the Icm. Estrogen actions, having a gonadal or extragonadal origin, influence importantly the CSA of the Pcm.

Histomorphological testicular changes and decrease in the sperm count in pubertal rats induced by a high-sugar diet.

BACKGROUND: During childhood and adolescence, excessive food consumption stimulates adipose tissue expansion promoting overweight in humans, and mice. A high-sucrose diet is related to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Infertility is commonly related to these pathologies. We aim to evaluate possible histomorphological testicular changes induced by a high-sucrose diet on sperm count during the post-weaning period. METHODS: Wistar male rats aged 21 days, weaned, were randomly assigned into two groups: control (fed and hydrated normally) and sugar group (fed normally but hydrated with a solution containing 30% of diluted sucrose during 30 days). At the pubertal age of 51 days, animals were killed and blood samples were taken to measure testosterone and leptin. Testicles were collected and gonadal adipose tissue and semen samples from the epididymis were excised. Testicle samples were used for morphological description using H&E staining, as well as to quantify the triacylglycerol content and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) expression. Semen samples were used to assess motility, viability, and sperm count. RESULTS: The sugar group presented an increase in the testicular weight, but a reduction in the cross-sectional area of seminiferous tubules. Moreover, disorganization of Sertoli cells and spermatogonia, an increase in the LDH expression within the entire seminiferous tubule, and a reduced sperm count and spermatozoid motility were found. These alterations were accompanied by high serum levels of testosterone and leptin. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate strong damage of testis by sugar consumption during early life that may lead to the onset of infertility in adulthood.

High-sucrose diet potentiates hyperaldosteronism and renal injury induced by stress in young adult rats.

Analyze the effect of stress and high-sucrose diet on serum aldosterone levels and the morphometric characteristics of the kidney in young adult rats. Wistar male rats aged 21 days old weaned were randomly assigned into four groups: control (C), stressed (St), high-sucrose diet (S30), and chronic restraint stress plus a 30% sucrose diet (St + S30). Rats were fed with a standard chow and tap water ad libitum (C group) or 30% sucrose diluted in water (S30 group) during eight weeks. The St and St + S30 groups were subject to restraint stress (1-hour daily in a plastic cylinder, 5 days per week), four weeks before euthanasia. At 81 days old, all animals were killed and blood samples and kidneys were collected. Stressed rats had an increase in the serum aldosterone and renal triacylglycerol, a decrease in the area of the renal corpuscle, glomeruli, proximal tubules, and aquaporin 2 expressions with loss of glomeruli. For its part, the high-sucrose diet decreased the area of the renal corpuscle, glomeruli, and aquaporin 2 expressions in the cortex. The combination of stress and high- sucrose diet maintained similar effects on the kidney as the stress alone, although it induced an increase in the creatinine levels and renal glycogen. Our results showed that chronic stress induces hyperaldosteronism and kidney injury. The intake of a high-sucrose diet may potentiate the renal injury promoted by stress.

The Expression of Hormone Receptors as a Gateway toward Understanding Endocrine Actions in Female Pelvic Floor Muscles.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the hormone actions and receptors expressed in the female pelvic floor muscles, relevant for understanding the pelvic floor disorders. METHODS: We performed a literature review focused on the expression of hormone receptors mainly in the pelvic floor muscles of women and female rats and rabbits. RESULTS: The impairment of the pelvic floor muscles can lead to the onset of pelvic floor dysfunctions, including stress urinary incontinence in women. Hormone milieu is associated with the structure and function alterations of pelvic floor muscles, a notion supported by the fact that these muscles express different hormone receptors. Nuclear receptors, such as steroid receptors, are up till now the most investigated. The present review accounts for the limited studies conducted to elucidate the expression of hormone receptors in pelvic floor muscles in females. CONCLUSION: Hormone receptor expression is the cornerstone in some hormone-based therapies, which require further detailed studies on the distribution of receptors in particular pelvic floor muscles, as well as their association with muscle effectors, involved in the alterations relevant for understanding pelvic floor disorders.

Hypothyroidism modifies differentially the content of lipids and glycogen, lipid receptors, and intraepithelial lymphocytes among oviductal regions of rabbits.

Hypothyroidism affects the content of triacylglycerol (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), oxidized lipids, glycogen, and infiltration of immune cells into the ovary and uterus. This study aimed to analyze the impact of hypothyroidism on the lipid content of different regions of the oviduct. Control (n = 6) and hypothyroid (n = 6; 10 mg/kg/day of methimazole in the drinking water for 30 days) adult rabbits were used. In the fimbriae/infundibulum (FIM/INF), ampulla, (AMP), isthmus (IST), and utero-tubal junction (UTJ), the TAG and TC concentrations, presence of oxidized lipid, relative expressions of perilipin A (PLIN A), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), and farnesoid X receptor (FXRα) were analyzed. The content of glycogen and glycans, as well as the infiltration of lymphocytes, were also quantified. In the FIM/INF, hypothyroidism reduced the content of TC, expression of C/EBPα, and presence of glycans while increased the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes. In the AMP and IST-UTJ regions, hypothyroidism increased the content of TAG, oxidized lipids, expression of PPARγ, and glycogen content but decreased the expression of PLIN-A. The FXRα expression in secretory cells of IST-UTJ was higher in the hypothyroid rabbits compared to controls. Additionally, hypothyroidism reduced the C/EBPα expression and the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes in the AMP and IST-UTJ regions, respectively. We demonstrated that the effect of hypothyroidism depends on the oviductal region, possibly associated with different physiological functions specific to each region. These alterations may be related to infertility, tubal disturbances, and ectopic pregnancy observed in hypothyroid women.

Inferring lanosterol functions in the female rabbit reproductive tract based on the immunolocalization of lanosterol 14-demethylase and farnesoid beta-receptor.

Female reproductive organs have de novo synthesis of cholesterol. Some sterol molecules, intermediaries in the cholesterol synthesis, have important paracrine/autocrine actions. Lanosterol binds to the farnesoid beta-receptor (FXRß), a molecule widely expressed in the ovaries, suggesting that it may play a role in reproduction. Up to date, we know little about lanosterol functions across female reproductive organs. We described immunolocalized lanosterol 14-demethylase (LDM or CYP51A1), responsible for catalyzing the conversion of lanosterol in cholesterol, and FXRß in the ovary, oviduct, uterus, and vagina of virgin and pregnant rabbits. In virgin rats, we found CYP51A1 and FXRß immunoreactivity was found in all ovarian follicles, epithelial cells, stroma, and Graafian follicles. Also, the epithelium and stroma, as well as the smooth muscle of the oviduct, vagina, and uterus showed CYP51A1 and FXRß immunoreactivity. In pregnant dams, we observed the presence of CYP51A1 and FXRß immunoreactivity in the corpora lutea, giant uterine cells, and trophoblastic cells. The presence of CYP51A1 and FXRß support that lanosterol participates in diverse reproductive processes, including follicular maturation, transport of gametes and zygote, implantation of blastocyst, lubrication, and contraction of the vagina, secretion of female prostate, and control of delivery mediated by pelvic muscles contraction.

Hypothyroidism induces uterine hyperplasia and inflammation related to sex hormone receptors expression in virgin rabbits.

AIMS: In women, uterine alterations have been associated with sex steroid hormones. Sex hormones regulate the expression of thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) in the uterus, but an inverse link is unknown. We analyzed the impact of hypothyroidism on histological characteristics, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), progesterone receptors (PR), estrogen receptors (ER), thyroid hormone receptors (TRs), perilipin (PLIN-A), and lipid content in the uterus of virgin rabbits. MAIN METHODS: Twelve Chinchilla-breed adult female rabbits were grouped into control (n = 6) and hypothyroid (n = 6; 0.02% of methimazole for 30 days). The thickness of endometrium and myometrium, number of uterine glands, and infiltration of immune cells were analyzed. The expression of VEGF-A, PR, ERα, and PLIN-A was determined by RT-PCR and western blot. The uterine content of triglycerides (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) was quantified. KEY FINDINGS: Hypothyroidism promoted uterine hyperplasia and a high infiltration of immune cells into the endometrium, including macrophages CD163+. It also increased the expression of VEGF-A, TRA, and ERα-66 but reduced that of PR and ERα-46. The uterine content of PLIN-A, TAG, and TC was reduced, but that of MDA was augmented in hypothyroid rabbits. SIGNIFICANCE: Our results suggest that uterine hyperplasia and inflammation promoted by hypothyroidism should be related to changes in the VEGF-A, PR, ER, and TRs expression, as well as to modifications in the PLIN-A expression, lipid content, and oxidative status. These results suggest that hypothyroidism should affect the fertility of females.

Hypothyroidism Alters the Uterine Lipid Levels in Pregnant Rabbits and Affects the Fetal Size.

BACKGROUND: Hypothyroidism has been related to low-weight births, abortion and prematurity, which have been associated with changes in the content of glycogen and vascularization of the placenta. Since hypothyroidism can cause dyslipidemia, it may affect the lipid content in the uterus affecting the development of fetuses. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of hypothyroidism on the lipid levels in serum and uterus during pregnancy and their possible association with the size of fetuses. METHOD: Adult female rabbits were grouped in control (n = 6) and hypothyroid (n = 6; treated with methimazole for 29 days before and 19 days after copulation). Food intake and body weight were daily registered. At gestational day 19 (GD19), dams were sacrificed under an overdose of anesthesia. Morphometric measures of fetuses were taken. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TAG), and glucose concentrations were quantified in blood, uterus and ovaries of dams. The expression of uterine 3ß- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ß-HSD) was quantified by Western blot. RESULTS: Hypothyroidism reduced food intake and body weight of dams, as well as promoted low abdominal diameters of fetuses. It did not induce dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia at GD19 and did not modify the content of lipids in the ovary. However, it reduced the content of TAG and TC in the uterus, which was associated with uterine hyperplasia and an increased expression of 3ß-HSD in the uterus. CONCLUSION: Hypothyroidism alters the lipid content in the uterus that might subsequently affect the energy production and lipid signaling important to fetal development.

High Estradiol Differentially Affects the Expression of the Glucose Transporter Type 4 in Pelvic Floor Muscles of Rats.

PURPOSE: To characterize the relationship between serum estradiol levels and the expression of glucose transporter type 4 (Glut4) in the pubococcygeus and iliococcygeus muscles in female rats. METHODS: The muscles were excised from virgin rats during the metestrus and proestrus stages of the estrous cycle, and from sham and ovariectomized rats implanted with empty or estradiol benzoate-filled capsules. The expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) was inspected in the muscles at metestrus and proestrus. Relative Glut4 expression, glycogen content, and serum glucose levels were measured. Appropriate statistical tests were done to identify significant differences (P≤0.05). RESULTS: The pubococcygeus and iliococcygeus muscles expressed ERα and ERß. Glut4 expression and glycogen content in the pubococcygeus muscle were higher at proestrus than at metestrus. No significant changes were observed in the iliococcygeus muscle. In ovariectomized rats, the administration of estradiol benzoate increased Glut4 expression and glycogen content in the pubococcygeus muscle alone. CONCLUSION: High serum estradiol levels increased Glut4 expression and glycogen content in the pubococcygeus muscle, but not in the iliococcygeus muscle.

Morphometric changes and AQP2 expression in kidneys of young male rats exposed to chronic stress and a high-sucrose diet.

OBJECTIVE: Consumption of a cafeteria-like diet and chronic stress have a negative impact on kidney function and morphology in adult rats. However, the interaction between chronic restraint stress and high-sucrose diet on renal morphology in young rats is unknown. A high-sucrose diet does not modify serum glucose levels but reduces serum corticosterone levels in stressed young rats, in this way it is confusing a possible potentiate or protector effect of this diet on kidney damage induced by stress. METHODS: Wistar male rats at 4 weeks of age were randomly assigned into 4 groups: control (C), stressed (St), high-sucrose diet (S30), and chronic restraint stress plus a 30% sucrose diet (St + S30). Rats were fed with a standard chow and tap water (C group) or 30% sucrose diluted in water (S30 group). Chronic restraint stress consisted of 1-h daily placement into a plastic cylinder, 5 days per week, and for 4 weeks. RESULTS: Stressed rats exhibited a low number of corpuscles, glomeruli, high number of mesangial cells, major deposition of mesangial matrix and aquaporin-2 protein (AQP-2) expression, and low creatinine levels. Meanwhile, high-sucrose diet ameliorated AQP-2 expression and avoided the reduction of creatinine levels induced by chronic stress. The combination of stress and high-sucrose diet maintained similar effects on the kidney as stress alone, although it induced a greater reduction in the area of proximal tubules. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that both chronic stress and a high-sucrose diet induce histological changes, but chronic stress may generate an accelerated glomerular hypertrophy associated with functional changes before puberty.

Hypothyroidism affects lipid and glycogen content and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ expression in the ovary of the rabbit.

Dyslipidaemia and hyperglycaemia are associated with ovarian failure and both have been related to hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism promotes anovulation and ovarian cysts in women and reduces the size of follicles and the expression of aromatase in the ovary of rabbits. Considering that ovarian steroidogenesis and ovulation depend on lipid metabolism and signalling, the aim of the present study was to analyse the effect of hypothyroidism on the lipid content and expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) δ in the ovary. Ovaries from female rabbits belonging to the control (n=7) and hypothyroid (n=7) groups were processed to measure total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TAG) and glycogen content, as well as to determine the presence of granules containing oxidized lipids (oxysterols and lipofuscin) and the relative expression of perilipin A (PLIN-A) and PPARδ. Hypothyroidism increased TC and glycogen content, but reduced TAG content in the ovary. This was accompanied by a reduction in the expression of PLIN-A in total and cytosolic extracts, changes in the presence of granules containing oxidative lipids and low PPARδ expression. The results of the present study suggest that hypothyroidism modifies the content and signalling of lipids in the ovary, possibly affecting follicle maturation. These results could improve our understanding of the association between hypothyroidism and infertility in females.

Hypothyroidism impairs somatovisceral reflexes involved in micturition of female rabbits.

AIMS: To determine the impact of hypothyroidism on the bladder and urethral functions as well as in the activation of the pubococcygeous (Pcm) and bulbospongiosus (Bsm) during micturition. METHODS: Age-matched control and methimazole-induced hypothyroid female rabbits were used to simultaneously record cystometrograms, urethral pressure, and the reflex activation of Pcm and Bsm during the induced micturition. Urodynamic and urethral variables were measured. Activation or no activation of the Pcm and Bsm during the storage and voiding phases of micturition were categorized as 1 or 0. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) between control and hypothyroid groups were determined with unpaired Student-t or Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: One-month induced hypothyroidism increased the residual volume and threshold pressure while the opposite was true for the voided volume, maximal pressure, and voiding efficiency. Urethral pressure was also affected as supported by a notorious augmentation of the urethral resistance, among other changes in the rest of measured variables. Hypothyroidism also affected the reflex activation of the Pcm in the voiding phase of micturition. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate hypothyroidism impairs the bladder and, urethral functions, and reflex activation of Pcm and Bsm affecting the micturition in female rabbits.

Interactive effects of chronic stress and a high-sucrose diet on nonalcoholic fatty liver in young adult male rats.

Glucocorticoids have been implicated in nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). The influence of a palatable diet on the response to stress is controversial. This study explored whether a high-sucrose diet could protect from hepatic steatosis induced by chronic restraint stress in young adult rats. Male Wistar rats aged 21 days were allocated into four groups (n = 6-8 per group): control, chronic restraint stress, 30% sucrose diet, and 30% sucrose diet plus chronic restraint stress. After being exposed to either tap water or sucrose solution during eight weeks, half of the rats belonging to each group were subject or not to repeated restraint stress (1 h per day, 5 days per week) during four weeks. Triacylglycerol (TAG), oxidative stress, activity of 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11ß-HSD-1), infiltration of immune cells, and glycogen amount in the liver were quantified. Serum concentrations of corticosterone and testosterone were also measured. The stressed group showed normal serum concentrations of corticosterone and did not have hepatic steatosis. However, this group showed increased glycogen, inflammation, mild fibrosis, oxidative stress, and a high activity of 11ß-HSD-1 in the liver. The group exposed to the high-sucrose diet had lower concentrations of corticosterone, hepatic steatosis and moderate fibrosis. The group subject to high-sucrose diet plus chronic restraint stress showed low concentrations of corticosterone, hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, and high concentrations of testosterone. Thus, restraint stress and a high-sucrose diet each generate different components of nonalcoholic fatty liver in young adult rats. The combination of both the factors could promote a faster development of NAFLD.