The Effect of Intraventricular Administration of Zinc on Serum LH, FSH, Prolactin, and Testosterone in Male Rats

Background: Zn is calcium channels blocker and interferes with biological function of calcium ion, and FSH and LH secretion are dependent on calcium ion. Objectives: The aim of this study was evaluate the effects of supra physiological dose of zinc injection in lateral ventricle (LV) on serum FSH, LH, testosterone, and prolactin (PRL) in male rats. Materials and Methods: This experiment was performed on 30 Wistar-Albino male rats weighing 220 - 260 g, which were cannulated in LV. Rats were divided into: sham control (SC), control (V), and test (T) groups, randomly. Test group received 10 ?L of artificial cerebra spinal fluid (ACSF) containing 0.06 ?mol zinc sulfate, for 20 days. Group V was given the same volume of ACSF, but group SC did not receive any agent at this time. At the end, animals were anesthetized by diethyl ether, sacrificed and blood samples were collected. Serum gonadotropins and prolactin were measured via rat kits and ELISA methods. Testosterone was measured by ordinary methods. Obtained data were analyzed by SPSS-17 software and Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Bonnferoni correction statistical tests. Results were expressed as mean ± SD. Statistical differences were recognized significant at P < 0.05. Results: Our findings showed that serum LH, food and weight gain in group T significantly decreased but prolactin value in this group increased in comparison to those in other groups. Conclusions: We conclude that intraventricular (IV) injection of supra physiological dose of zinc sulfate in IV affected on serum LH, prolactin, food intake, and gain of weight in male rats.