Oddzialywanie fitoestrogenow na os regulacyjna podwzgorze-przysadka-gonady u samcow ssakow

Human food and animal feed may contain phytoestrogens. These plant compounds possess a chemical structure and biological activity similar to animal estrogens. With regard to the important role of estrogens in males, it is necessary to extend knowledge pertaining to the influence of phytoestrogens on the male reproductive tract. These chemicals may affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis, controlling functions of the reproductive tract. The results showed in this review indicate that, especially in high doses, the phytoestrogens alter functions of hypothalamus, pituitary gland and testis. These effects depend on species, kind and treatment level of phytoestrogens, length of exposure as well as on the means of administration.