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. 2023 Jun;50(2):94-98.
doi: 10.5653/cerm.2022.05750. Epub 2023 May 15.

The effects of orchiectomy and steroid on fertility in experimental testicular atrophy

Muslim Yurtcu  1 , Sumeyye Kozacioglu  2 , Rahim Kocabas  3
Affiliations

The effects of orchiectomy and steroid on fertility in experimental testicular atrophy

Muslim Yurtcu et al. Clin Exp Reprod Med. 2023 Jun.

Abstract

Objective: Despite our understanding of Sertoli cell function and the state of spermatogenesis, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study was conducted to compare the effects of orchiectomy and steroid treatment on fertility in testicular atrophy occurring after testicular torsion.

Methods: Thirty-three rats were divided into four groups. The atrophy, orchiectomy, and atrophy-steroid groups each contained nine rats, while the control group contained six. The left testes were rotated 720º, and atrophy was observed. In the atrophy-steroid rats, orchiectomy was performed after atrophy, and 1 mg/kg steroid was injected. Each male rat was housed with five female rats for 6 days. The fertility of the male rats was evaluated based on the pregnancy of the female rats. Left and right orchiectomies were performed to determine the tissue Johnsen score (JS) and the serum inhibin B (IB) level.

Results: JS values were significantly lower in the atrophy, orchiectomy, and atrophy-steroid groups than in the control group (p<0.05), while no significant difference was observed in JS between the atrophy and orchiectomy groups (p>0.05). Similarly, no significant differences in IB level or fertility percentage were found between the atrophy and orchiectomy rats (p>0.05).

Conclusion: In unilateral testicular atrophy, which can occur in the prepubertal period due to various causes, orchiectomy does not appear to benefit fertility, as indicated by IB, JS, and the fertility percentage.

Keywords: Atrophy; Fertility; Orchiectomy; Steroids; Testis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Photomicrograph of the control group showing the morphology of normal testicular tissue (Johnsen score, 9.500±0.091) (H&E, ×100).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Photomicrograph of the atrophy group showing higher magnification of the morphology of atrophic testicular tissue (Johnsen score, 2.000±0.147) (H&E, ×100).
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Photomicrograph of the orchiectomy group showing higher magnification of the morphology of testicular tissue (Johnsen score, 1.556±0.113) (H&E, ×100).
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Photomicrograph of the atrophy-steroid group showing higher magnification of the morphology of testicular tissue (Johnsen score, 1.000±0.000) (H&E, ×100).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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