Effect of testicular capsulotomy on secretion of testosterone and gonadotrophins in rats.
OBJECTIVE
In order to clarify further the mechanisms underlying the effect of capsulotomy on testicular function, the levels of testosterone, LH and FSH were observed.


METHODS
Intratesticular testosterone levels and LH, FSH levels in the peripheral blood of normal, sham-operated and capsulotomized rats were detected by RIA.


RESULTS
After testicular capsulotomy, there was a progressive reduction in the testosterone level in the testicular venous blood together with a progressive increase in the LH and FSH levels in the peripheral blood from approximately 30 days post-capsulotomy. Morphological changes were observed at 5-10 days after capsulotomy, i.e., far ahead of the hormonal changes.


CONCLUSIONS
The seminiferous tubular damage after testicular capsulotomy was not caused by the reduction in testosterone, and on the contrary, the hormonal change might be secondary to the morphological alterations. The increase in LH level most likely resulted from a negative feedback influence from the lowered testosterone level, while the increase in FSH secretion may be a feedback signal of the damaged seminiferous tubules.
Qin
D N
DN
Department of Physiology, Shantou University School of Medicine, Shantou 515031, China. lqchen@mailserv.stu.edu.cn
Lung
M A
MA
D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology; D005246:Feedback / Q000502:physiology; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000601:surgery; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood*
D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone