Influence of ethanol on reproductive functions of the adult male rat as a function of body weight.
Adult male rats were exposed to alcohol vapors for 3-4 weeks. Blood alcohol levels (BAL) ranged from 90 to 190 mg/100 ml. BAL of greater than or equal to 0-130 mg/100 ml were compatible with adequate body weight gains and were not associated with diminished plasma testosterone (T) levels or reduced sex organ weights. BAL greater than or equal to 180 mg/100 ml were associated with inhibition of androgen secretion only in those animals who failed to grow. From these results we conclude that in growing animals, the medium term exposure to ETOH leads to inhibition of reproductive parameters when high BALs induce weight loss, but not when adequate body growth is maintained.