Partial and generalized seizures affect reproductive physiology differentially in the male rat

Purpose: Reproductive dysfunction and endocrine disorders occur frequently among men with epilepsy. This study tested the hypothesis that focal limbic seizures and generalized seizures may both contribute to reproductive dysf unction. Methods: The rat kindling model was used to mimic focal limbic seizures. Ki ndling electrodes were placed in the basolateral amygdala. Male rats were e ither intact, gonadectomized (GDX) or GDX + testosterone (T) replaced and t hen kindled. Controls were left intact and sham-kindled. Maximal electro-co nvulsive shock (MES) treatment was used to model generalized seizures, by u sing eight stimulations, one every other day, for 2.5 weeks. Animals were k illed either 3 h or 6 weeks after MES treatment to determine short- and lon g-term. effects. Results: Kindled seizures resulted in an increase in serum testosterone, es tradiol, and prolactin in intact males, accompanied by a significant increa se in testis, epididymis, and pituitary MES weight, as well as a significan t decrease in prostate weight. MES treatment caused a short-term reduction in serum testosterone and testis, epididymis, and prostate weight. All para meters were restored to control values within 6 weeks of the last MES seizu re, with the exception of pituitary weight and serum prolactin, which remai ned significantly elevated 6 weeks after MES treatment. Conclusions: Our results indicate that both focal limbic (amygdaloid) seizu res and generalized MES seizures disturb normal reproductive physiology in the male rat. Amygdaloid-kindled seizures have mixed effects on different p arameters of reproductive function, whereas MES seizures induce a transient hypogonadal state. These results suggest that reproductive dysfunction in men with Epilepsy may result from seizure-related interference with the nor mal functions of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis.