[Experimental navigation and deuteroexhaustive exercise suppress the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicle axis in rats].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of experimental navigation and deuteroexhaustive exercise on the serum levels of testosterone (T), corticosterone (CORT), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). METHODS: Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into an experimental navigation group (Group A), which underwent 180 min wearing floating with psychological stress, a deuteroexhaustive exercise group (Group B), which were subjected to 120 min intensive running on the treadmill after the accomplishment of the same procedure as Group A, and a control group (Group C). Blood samples were obtained at the end of the experiment to determine the T, CORT, LH and FSH of the rats. RESULTS: Compared with Group C, serum T was statistically decreased in Group A and B (P < 0.05), while CORT was increased slightly in Group A and significantly in Group B (P < 0.05). A statistically lower level of serum LH was observed in Group B (P < 0.05), but no significant differences were found in serum FSH among the three groups. CONCLUSION: Stresses of experimental navigation and intensive exercise suppress the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicle axis in rats.