Effect of immobilization stress on testicular germ cell apoptosis in rats

Abstract

The influence of immobilization stress on testicular germ cell apoptosis was investigated in rats. A transient increase in serum corticosterone and a transient decrease in serum testosterone were observed during each period of immobilization stress. Twenty-four hours after the last immobilization session, the testicular weight and serum concentrations of corticosterone and testosterone were the same between the immobilization stress and control groups. However, the percentages of apoptotic tubules and apoptotic cells in the stress group were significantly higher than those in controls (P < 0.001). These facts suggest that immobilization stress can enhance testicular germ cell apoptosis in rats.