Effects of intracerebroventricular administration of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on sex hormones and sperm quality in rats.

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic strategies with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or its receptor have been investigated, but there are few studies regarding the possible harmful effects of CGRP in other body organs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of CGRP on sex hormones and sperm quality in rats.

METHODS

Twelve male rats were divided into two groups (=6 per group). The first group (control) rats were injected with 5 µl artificial cerebrospinal fluid intra-ICV; the second group rats, 5 µl (1.5 nmol) CGRP. The levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone were measured. Epididymal sperms were used to determine the sperm parameters.

RESULTS

The levels of testosterone, LH and FSH in CGRP group was significantly lower than in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) group (<0.05). The concentration and motility of sperm in CGRP group was significantly lower than in ACSF group (<0.05). In CGRP group live spermatozoa and intact acrosome significantly reduced compared to the ACSF group (<0.05). In addition, in CGRP group dead spermatozoa and lose acrosome significantly increased compared to the ACSF group (<0.05).

CONCLUSION

ICV injection of CGRP may reduce sperm quality, probably through induction of an imbalance in FSH and LH production as well as testosterone.