Varicocele and retrograde adrenal metabolites flow. An experimental study on rats.
BACKGROUND
Idiopathic varicocele is one of the causes of potentially correctable male subfertility. The mechanisms causing spermatogenesis impairment have yet to be clarified. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of renal and adrenal metabolite reflux on testicular exocrine function in a rat experimental model.


METHODS
In the study, 45 male Lewis Stock adult rats, each weighing 300 g, were used. The rats were subdivided into three groups of 15 rats. In group A (control group) testicular volume and basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels were measured at the beginning of the study and after 9 months. In group B, varicocele was induced by means of rings introduced in the left renal vein in order to cause a renospermatic reflux. In group C, similarly to group B, varicocele was induced after removal of left adrenal gland. The effects of varicocele on testicular function were then analyzed 3, 6 and 9 months after surgery. After 9 months, all rats underwent testicular biopsy.


RESULTS
Both groups B and C showed a reduction in testicular volume, an increase in FSH and a decrease in testosterone levels. These levels were higher in group B. Testicular histological assessment showed important structural abnormalities in group B rats.


CONCLUSIONS
These data support the hypothesis that renal and adrenal metabolites enhance varicocele-induced testicular damage. This theory is supported both by hormonal impairment and testicular histological analysis.
Camoglio
Francesco Saverio
FS
Department of Surgical Sciences, Pediatric Surgical Unit, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Zampieri
Nicola
N
Corroppolo
Michele
M
Chironi
Christian
C
Dipaola
Giuseppe
G
Giacomello
Luca
L
Ottolenghi
Alberto
A
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D013737:Testis / Q000473:pathology; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood*; D014646:Varicocele / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology
D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone