Objective: To study the amelioration mechanism of Calotes versicolor petroleum ether extracts (CVPEE) on hypothalamus inhibition sexual function induced by morphine in immature male rats.
Methods: The hypothalamus inhibition induced by morphine in immature male rats was used as model of the testis reproductive functional disturbance. The rats was given CVPEE for 21 days. The levels of testosterone (T) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum were determined by the radio-immunoassay. The nitrogen monoxide (NO) contents in serum and penis tissue were determined by nitrate reductase method. The sexual organ and auxiliary sexual organ coefficient were calculated and the histopathological changes in the testes and epididymides were observed with microscope.
Results: CVPEE groups (low and high dosage groups) significantly enhanced the level of serum T, compared with model group (P < 0.05); the low dosage group decreased obviously the level of FSH. CVPEE had the tendency to increase NO contents in serum and penile tissue. The microscopic examination results showed that the testis tissue in CVPEE group was damaged more gently than those in model group.
Conclusion: CVPEE can enhance the level of serum T and NO contents in penile tissue, improve the sexual functional disturbance in hypothalamus inhibition induced by morphine in immature male rats. It indicated that CVPEE had the effects by the hypothalamus-hypophysis-gonad axial function.