An evaluation of the deleterious effect of unilateral cryptorchidism on the contralateral normally descended testis

Abstract

Human and experimental animal models have been extensively used to elucidate the detrimental effect of unilateral cryptorchidism on ipsilateral testicular morphology and function. Uncertainty however still exists on the effect of unilateral cryptorchidism on contralateral testicular function. This study investigated the effect of left unilateral cryptorchidism on right normally descended testicular function. Forty immature rats were divided into two groups (group A, 30 rats and group B, 10 rats). Group A rats were rendered experimentally cryptorchid by anchoring the upper pole of the testis to the posterior abdominal wall. Group B rats were sham operated to serve as control. 56 days after cryptorchidism induction, bilateral testicular weight, bilateral testicular volume, bilateral caudal epididymal sperm characteristics, bilateral testicular histo- morphometry, fertility rate in vivo and serum hormone levels were all tested. Most of the above parameters were significantly lower (P<0.05) in group A (Right and Left) compared to group B. The concentrations of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were however significantly higher (P<0.05) in cryptorchid group compared to the control. The current results indicate a bilateral impairment of germ, Sertoli and Leydig cells function and histology with unilateral cryptorchidism. Key words: Cryptorchidism, testis infertility, rats.