<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>The fact that the stress response affects testicular function in several animal species, has been established for several decades. The aim of the present review was to describe how the mechanisms involved in the acute stress response affect directly or indirectly the testicular function at different levels. Both neuroendocrine axes linked to the stress response, i.e., the sympathetic-adrenomedullar (SAM) axis and the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-adrenal (HHA) axis, affect the functioning of the hypothalamus-hypophyseal-gonadal (HHG) axis. Furthermore, both axes affect testicular function directly. Several reports support the concept that, in general terms, the HHA axis (as well as the hormones belonging to it) inhibits the HHG axis and also has direct effects on testicular function. The information regarding the effects of the SAM axis either on the HHG axis or as direct effects on testicular function are contradictory, and depends on whether the studies were performed in vivo or in vitro. Nevertheless, in general, stimulative effects are reported by the SAM axis. Both hormonal axes linked to the stress response exert direct effects on testicular function, on Leydig, Sertoli, myoid, and germ cells.</p></abstract>

The fact that the stress response affects testicular function in several animal species, has been established for several decades. The aim of the present review was to describe how the mechanisms involved in the acute stress response affect directly or indirectly the testicular function at different levels. Both neuroendocrine axes linked to the stress response, i.e., the sympathetic-adrenomedullar (SAM) axis and the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-adrenal (HHA) axis, affect the functioning of the hypothalamus-hypophyseal-gonadal (HHG) axis. Furthermore, both axes affect testicular function directly. Several reports support the concept that, in general terms, the HHA axis (as well as the hormones belonging to it) inhibits the HHG axis and also has direct effects on testicular function. The information regarding the effects of the SAM axis either on the HHG axis or as direct effects on testicular function are contradictory, and depends on whether the studies were performed in vivo or in vitro. Nevertheless, in general, stimulative effects are reported by the SAM axis. Both hormonal axes linked to the stress response exert direct effects on testicular function, on Leydig, Sertoli, myoid, and germ cells.

Acute Stress, Hypothalamic-Hypophyseal-Gonadal Axis and Testicular Function – A Review

Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Area of Biochemistry, University of the Republic, Lasplaces 1550, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay

Department of Morphology and Development, Area of Histology and Embryology, University of the Republic, Lasplaces 1550, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay

Annals of Animal Science

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The fact that the stress response affects testicular function in several animal species, has been established for several decades. The aim of the present...

Acute Stress, Hypothalamic-Hypophyseal-Gonadal Axis and Testicular Function – A Review

Published Online: Mar 03, 2015

Page range: 31 - 50

Received: Jul 16, 2014

Accepted: Nov 04, 2014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2014-0084

© by Juan Pablo Damián

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.