Abstract
In the rat, regression of spermatogenesis during the chronic stages of spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs in the presence of normal function of the pituitary-testis hormone axis, thus suggesting that nonendocrine mechanisms might be involved. The current study examined whether disruption of neural input to the testis contributes to the cascade that leads to the regression of spermatogenesis. Four weeks after denervation of the superior spermatic nerve (SSN), testis weight was 25% lower (p < 0.01) than that of the contralateral sham-operated testis. Defects in spermatogenesis including phagocytosis of mature spermatids, vacuolization of spermatid nuclei, delayed spermiation and incomplete cellular associations were observed in >60% of the tubules. In the remaining 30–40% of tubules, the seminiferous epithelium was severely regressed. While cutting the inferior spermatic nerve (ISN) alone did not affect spermatogenesis significantly, it enhanced the effect of SSN denervation on both spermatogenesis and testis weight (p < 0.01). Spermatogenesis was totally regressed in the SSN/ISN-denervated testes. At this time, quantitatively normal spermatogonial proliferation was maintained in SSN- or ISN-denervated testes. Twelve weeks after surgery, regression of the seminiferous epithelium characterized by absence of proliferating spermatogonia, while undifferentiating spermatogonia were present, was observed in all SSN-denervated testes. At this time, regression of the seminiferous epithelia also occurred in >30% of the tubules in ISN-denervated testes. At both times, serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels were normal and >60% of normal testicular testosterone concentrations were maintained in the denervated testes. These results indicate that disruption of neural input to the testis is not a cause for the decrease in spermatogonial proliferation during the acute phase of SCI, but may contribute to the chronic effects of SCI on spermatogenesis.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
