Pharmacological and surgical experimental animal models of induction of spermatogenesis disorders

Introduction. Experimental induction of spermatogenesis disorders is possible mainly by physical, pharmacological methods. However, not all methods can cause non-obstructive azoospermia.

Objective. To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of induction of spermatogenesis disorders in rat models by applying ligatures to the spermatic cords and administration of cisplatin.

Materials & methods. Seventy-three mature male rats (Wistar) were divided into 2 experimental groups and 1 control (n = 9) group: group 1 (n = 27) with ligature on the spermatic cord for 12 h (n = 9), 24 h (n = 9), 36 h (n = 9); group 2 (n = 37) with five-fold intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin at concentrations of 5 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg. On days 0, 7, 14, 28 after the last day of induction of spermatogenesis disorders, epididymal semen analysis, blood test, total serum testosterone, pathomorphological examination of testes tissue, body weight, reproductive system organ weight were performed to assess model performance.

Results. Ligation to the spermatic cords did not have a negative effect on the general condition of the animals (p < 0.05), blood test (p < 0.05); there was a decrease in the testicular weight (p < 0.05), the appendage of the testis (p < 0.05), prostate (p < 0.05), the weight of the seminal vesicles did not change (p > 0.05). In group 1, the number of epidermal spermatozoa decreased in all subgroups, statistically significant changes were recorded at 7 (exposure 24 h) and 28 (exposure 12, 36 h) days of research. Histologically, there was no significant inhibition of spermatogenesis, except for a decrease in the area, diameter of the seminal tubules on 7, 28 days after surgery (exposure 24, 36 h). In group 2, the survival of animals was noted only when using cisplatin at a dose of 1 mg/kg five times. Body weight decreased in all rats without recovery, thrombocytopenia recorded after 1 wk, leukocytopenia regressed by 2 wk of the study. A decrease in the weight of all reproductive organs was noted. Sperm concentration decreased at 1 wk and recovered at 28 wk. In the analysis of testicular biopsies: pronounced disorganization of the spermatogenic epithelium, a decrease in the absolute area and diameter of the seminal tubules.

Conclusion. Ligation to the spermatic cord does not cause permanent inhibition of spermatogenesis. Cisplatin at a dose of 1 mg/kg causes persistent severe damage to the spermatogenic epithelium.

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