Stress-Induced Inhibition of Reproductive Functions: Role of Endogenous Corticotropin-Releasing Factor

Key Points

• This research investigates how stress affects reproductive hormone release in male rats and the role of CRF in this process.
• Adult castrated male rats were exposed to inescapable intermittent electroshocks to induce stress.
• Central administration of a CRF antagonist was tested for its ability to reverse stress-induced inhibition of luteinizing hormone.
• Comparative effectiveness of peripheral CRF injection and an inactive CRF analog was evaluated.
• Stress exposure significantly inhibited the pulsatile release of luteinizing hormone with marked reduction in plasma concentrations.
• The central administration of the CRF antagonist effectively reversed the inhibitory effects of stress on hormone release.
• Peripheral injection and intraventricular injection of an inactive CRF analog did not demonstrate any effectiveness.