MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE HYPOACTIVITY OF FSH-IMMUNOREACTIVE CELLSIN ESTROGEN-PRIMED MALE-RATS

In order to evaluate the repercussions of estradiol treatment on the m orphology and activity of FSH-producing cells, an immunocytochemical a nd morphometric study was carried out in male rats treated chronically with estradiol, relating those findings to serum FSH levels at the ti me of sacrifice. Chronic administration of estradiol led to a decrease (p < 0.01) in serum hormone levels that was accompanied by a marked d ecrease in cellular size (p < 0.01) due to a decrease in nuclear and c ytoplasmic area. Our findings suggest for the adult male rat an inhibi tory effect on the synthesis and release of FSH following testicular a trophy induced by treatment with estradiol.