Retardation of Spermatogenesis and Testosterone Secretion after Ligature of Lymphatics Draining the Testes of Rabbits
1974 年 21 巻 1 号 p. 1-8
詳細
1974 年 21 巻 1 号 p. 1-8
Histological changes in the testis, prostate, seminal vesicle and hypophysis of male rabbits were examined after ligature of the spermatic lymphatics. Testosterone in blood plasma of the spermatic veins of animals with and without ligature and/or with and without HCG treatment was simultaneously measured.
The histological picture of the.seminiferous epithelium of the testis was inherent in the spermatogonial stage 10 days after ligature. Subsequent regeneration of the germinal epithelium varied in degree from case to case with the advancing interval, but it was conspicuous within 30 days. There was no longer sign of retrogression of the germinal epithelium 90 days after ligature. The prostate epithelium showed a slight reduction in height 10 days after ligature, but quickly returned to its normal height and picture within 30 days. The seminal vesicle and hypophysis did not seem to be influenced morphologically by the ligation of the lymphatics. Testosterone content of the spermatic vein fell abruptly after the ligation of the lymphatics, being continued for as long as 90 days.Testosterone content increased rapidly after injection of HCG into animals with and without ligature.
It is suggested from the present results that the regeneration of the germinal epithelium of the testis after obstruction of the spermatic lymphatics may depend on the formation of a collateral lymphatic circulation and that the Leydig cells are functionally supressed by lymph congestion within the testis.
