Effects of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone on the Onset of Puberty, Leydig Cell Differentiation, Spermatogenesis and Hypothalamic KISS1 Expression in Immature Male Rats
Kyoung Huh, Won Heum Nah, Yang Xu, Mi Jung Park, Myung Chan Gye
Abstract
PURPOSE: Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) has been used to treat short stature and rhGH-related syndromes. However, there are concerns that rhGH-treatment may cause precocious puberty. We investigated the effects of rhGH-treatment on the puberty onset, sexual maturation, androgen production, and hypothalamic gene expression in prepubertal male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: were examined. RESULTS: by elevated testosterone. CONCLUSIONS: Prepubertal rhGH-treatment in male rats may induce early onset of puberty, sexual maturation, elevation of testosterone, and spermatogenesis, and accompanies downregulation of hypothalamic KISS1.
Topics & Concepts
Internal medicineEndocrinologyPreputial glandTestosterone (patch)SpermatogenesisLeydig cellBiologySteroidogenic acute regulatory proteinHormoneAndrogenCholesterol side-chain cleavage enzymeMedicineGene expressionLuteinizing hormoneGeneBiochemistryCytochrome P450MetabolismGrowth Hormone and Insulin-like Growth FactorsHypothalamic control of reproductive hormonesOvarian function and disorders