Reproductive functions in the adult male rats after prolonged intraventricular administration of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF).

The effect of intraventricular injection of synthetic oCRF on reproductive functions in the male rats were studied and changes were compared with intact and control rats (daily intraventricular injections of 10 microliter of 0.1% albumin solution in PBS). The long-term administration of oCRF into lateral ventricle of freely moving rats caused a significant increase in relative weights of adrenals, pituitary glands and a decrease in body weight. Plasma LH and testosterone levels were significantly depressed after 8 days of oCRF administration, while there were no alteration in studied parameters in the control rats. Control i.v.c. injections of 0.1% albumin solution in PBS were without effect on levels of any of the hormones or weights of testes, epidydimis, seminal vesicles and prostate. Obtained results indicate a central inhibitory action of oCRF on LH and subsequent testosterone release.