Effects of Stress on the Reproductive System of Male Rats and Mice

Abstract

Male rats were immobilized for 2 hr/day, 5 days a week, for varying periods of time (7–31 days) to assess the effects of stress on the reproductive system. Mice were immobilized for 25–38 days. The effectiveness of the stress was demonstrated by assessing the adrenal and body weight. Adrenal weights were significantly increased (p<.05—t-test) compared to controls. Body weights were decreased compared to controls. No consistent change was noticed in the testicular weight and progressive motility of the spermatozoa drawn from the cauda epididymis and vas deferens. There were no deleterious effects of immobilization stress on the morphology of the differentiating germ cells, peritubular wall, and the interstitial tissues of the testis.

Key Words:

• Stress
• Testes
• Spermatozoa.