The effects of methamphetamine on gonadotropin and androgen, estrogen receptors in male rats

Objective To investigate the effects of methamphetamine on gonadotropin and testosterone receptors in male rats. Methods Acute and chronic exposure models were established by intraperitoneal injection of Methamphetamine (METH). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the expression of testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (PROG), prolactin (PRL), structural changes of testicular were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and Western blotting were performed to detect the localization and expression of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor alpha (ER) estrogen receptor β (ERβ) in the testis. Results ELISA results showed that compared with control group, the concentration of T in the acute exposure group was (2.16±0.51) μg/L, which was significantly decreased (t=-2.432, P<0.05). The concentrations of T, E2, PRL and INH B in the chronic exposure group were (0.41±0.37) μg/L, (73.84±33.63) ng/L, (5.86±4.27) μg/L, and (22.52±7.19) ng/L respectively. The T, E2 and INH B in the chronic exposed group was significantly decreased compared to the control group (t=-6.211, -2.853, 2.553, P<0.05). While the PRL was significantly increased (t=2.318, P<0.05). HE staining showed that the spermatogenic cells in the METH exposure group were slightly reduced and disordered. Compared with control group, IHC and Western blotting showed that the protein expression of AR, ERxpond ERβ decreased in the testis. Conclusion The acute and chronic exposure of METH in male rats could lead to gonadotropin disorder and decreased expression of testosterone receptors AR, ERed with the chronic controt the occurrence and development of the sperm. Key words: Methamphetamine; Male reproduction; Gonadal hormone; Hormone receptor