The effects of long-term administration of either a crude inhibin preparation or an antiserum to FSH on serum hormone levels, testicular function and fertility of adult male rats

Abstract

Adult male rats were given either daily injections of ram rete testis fluid for periods of up to 70 days or injections of an antiserum against FSH every 3 days for 90 days. Compared with the control groups, the rats injected with ram rete testis fluid had lowered serum FSH levels, but only at treatment periods of 30 days and less. The levels of LH and testosterone in serum, testicular fluid secretion, sperm counts, testis weights and fertility were not affected by rete testis fluid treatment. The rats injected with anti-FSH serum exhibited an impairment of fertility which was never complete and evident only after 49 days of treatment. After 90 days of anti-FSH treatment, testis weight and free serum FSH were reduced, but sperm counts, testicular fluid secretion and serum levels of LH and testosterone were not affected.