Changes of FSH and LH receptors expressions in rat testis after methamphetamine exposure

Abstract

Methamphetamine (METH), the most widely used psychostimulant in Thailand, has been reported to have harmful effects on testicular functions and sperm quality, but its mechanisms are still unclear. Since follicle‒stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) play important roles in spermatogenesis through their receptors in testis, we therefore focused on the changes in FSH and LH receptors after METH administration. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into control and METH‒administrated groups. The mRNA and protein expressions were measured using quantitative RT‒PCR, and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that the rats in AB METH and ED‒binge METH groups had significantly lower the FSH receptor protein expression (strong expression in the stages XII, XIII, XIV, and I of the spermatogenic cycle) compared with the control group but had no significant difference in the mRNA expression of FSH and LH receptors. These results may reflect the adverse effects of METH on FSH functions in testis.

Keywords

• fsh receptor
• lh receptor
• methamphetamine
• testis