Effect of Sleep Deprivation on the Male Reproductive System in Rats

Abstract

There has been no study reporting on the influence of sleep deprivation on the male reproductive system including sperm quality. In this study, we hypothesized that sleep deprivation could lead to adverse effect on the male reproductive system. The rats were divided into three groups: 1) control (home-cage, n = 10); 2) SD4 (sleep deprivation for 4 days, n = 10); and 3) SD7 (sleep deprivation for 7 days, n = 10). Sleep deprivation was performed by a modified multiple platform method. Sperm quality (sperm motion parameters and counts), hormone levels (corticosterone and testosterone), and the histopathology of testis were evaluated and compared between the three groups. A statistically significant reduction (P = 0.018) was observed in sperm motility in the SD7 group compared to those of the control group. However, there were no significant differences in other sperm motion parameters, or in sperm counts of the testis and cauda epididymis between three groups. Compared with the control group, the SD4 (P = 0.033) and SD7 (P = 0.002) groups exhibited significant increases of corticosterone levels, but significant decreases of testosterone levels were found in the SD4 (P = 0.001) and SD7 (P < 0.001) groups. Seminiferous tubular atrophy and/or spermatid retention was partially observed in the SD4 and SD7 groups, compared with the normal histopathology of the control group. Sleep deprivation may have an adverse effect on the male reproductive system in rats.

Lithium ameliorates sleep deprivation‐induced mania‐like behavior, hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis alterations, oxidative stress and elevations of cytokine concentrations in the brain and serum of mice

“…In fact, it is know that ACTH and cortisol release can lead to an oxidative stress state, 15 and these alterations could play a pivotal role in PSD-induced behavioral changes. 40,44 As Li was able to reduce ACTH and cortisol release induced by PSD, it is possible that, in the present study, the effects of Li on oxidative stress may have been mediated, at least in part, by ACTH and cortisol modulation.…”

“…Suchecki and colleagues showed that PSD induced using different methods increased ACTH and corticosterone secretion. Indeed, insomnia is associated with increases of ACTH and cortisol secretion, and activation of the HPA axis or administration of glucocorticoids can lead to arousal and sleeplessness …”

“…Indeed, insomnia is associated with increases of ACTH and cortisol secretion, and activation of the HPA axis or administration of glucocorticoids can lead to arousal and sleeplessness. 44,45 It has been reported that there is HPA axis dysregulation in bipolar patients. 46 A previous clinical study demonstrated increases in cortisol secretion in bipolar patients, suggesting HPA axis hyperactivity in this disorder.…”

Assessment of Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harm (Araliaceae) leaf extract on male fertility in male Wistar rats

“…The hypothalamus via a system of releasing hormones regulates the actions of the pituitary gland which secretes many tropic hormones including LH; LH in turn stimulates Leydig cells to secrete testosterone. Free circulating testosterone promotes spermatogenesis through its stimulatory effects on Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules [28,32,33]. In effect, increase in circulating levels of testosterone is shown to be correlated with increased epididymal sperm count while LH only promotes testicular development [34].…”

“…Improvement in weight and size of reproductive structures such as testis and seminiferous tubules are directly related to normal male sexual development [28]. In effect, increase in weight of reproductive organs secondary to drug treatments indicates that perhaps such agents may improve reproductive processes including spermatogenesis.…”