This study aimed to obtain a better understanding of the relationship between circulating thyroxine (T4) concentrations and reproductive endocrine function in the ram. Mature Merino rams were thyroidectomized and supplemented with 0, 30, 100 and 300% of normal T4 for 10 weeks. Thyroidectomy had no apparent effect on spermatogenic function but interfered with sperm maturation, the latter being returned to normal by 30% T4 replacement. Circulating testosterone levels were reduced by thyroidectomy and restored to control levels by 30% T4; when T4 levels were supranormal (300%), circulating testosterone levels were again reduced. The lowered circulating testosterone levels in thyroidectomized rams occurred as a result of suppressed testosterone secretion from the testis, observed under basal conditions and also following LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) and human chorionic gonadotrophin injection. In thyroidectomized rams, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels were depressed without changes in testosterone clearance rate (TCR), while in rams with supranormal T4 levels, TCR was increased without changes in SHBG levels. Subnormal levels of T4 also restored to normal the reduced LH pulse frequency in thyroidectomized rams. Reduced LH pulse frequency, together with diminished LH release following LHRH injection in thyroidectomized rams, suggested effects of T4 at the hypothalamo-pituitary axis. The present study demonstrates that complete lack of thyroid hormones suppresses normal reproductive endocrine function in the ram, but that this can be restored to normal by 30% T4 replacement. The results support the theory that T4 plays a permissive rather than a regulatory role in reproductive function in males.
J. Endocr. (1986) 111, 245–253
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