Specific and weight loss-associated effects of one-week exposure to ethanol on pituitary-gonadal function of male rats

Abstract

We studied the effects of one-week ethanol exposure (2.2 g/kg twice daily) on pituitary-gonadal functions of male rats. Because ethanol decreases the food-intake of the animals, diet-restricted rats were used as controls. Testicular LH and PRL receptors of ethanol-treated rats were significantly (P less than 0.05-0.01) reduced in comparison with weight-matched controls. In contrast, testicular GnRH receptors of the ethanol group were increased (P less than 0.05). Testicular FSH binding, pituitary GnRH-receptors, and serum gonadotropins and testosterone were not affected by ethanol. The present results demonstrate a specific effect of ethanol on testicular LH and PRL receptors which, unlike some other endocrine changes during ethanol exposure, is not due to a concomitant weight loss. In addition, the results suggest a concurrent change in the putative testicular GnRH receptor associated paracrine regulation, as implied by increased testicular GnRH binding upon ethanol exposure.