Some Effects of Unilateral Cryptorchism and Vasectomy on Sexual Development of the Pubescent Ram and Bull

Abstract

The effects of cryptorchism were studied in pubescent lambs and calves by rendering the animals unilaterally cryptorchid soon after birth. The testis, epididymis, vas deferens and ampulla were smaller on the cryptorchid side but there was no difference as regards the seminal vesicles or bulbourethral glands. The histological appearance of the cryptorchid testis resembled that of the prepuberal normal testis; gonocytes survived in the cryptorchid testis for 16 weeks, but the supporting cells did not differentiate into Sertoli cells. When cryptorchid testes were returned to the scrotum after 8 weeks, some recovery of spermatogenesis was evident 8 weeks later, and testicular androgen concentration appeared to be normal again. In the cryptorchid testis there was a decrease in \g=D\5-3\g=b\-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and lipid content in the interstitial cells. In lambs, the absolute content of testicular androgen but not the concentration was reduced about ten times; the lower content could therefore be accounted for by the reduced size of the gonad. In the calf androstenedione remained the predominant androgen in cryptorchid testes up to 16 weeks of age but not in a testis cryptorchid for 16 weeks, from 32\p=n-\48 weeks of age. The ampulla on the cryptorchid side was not only smaller, but contained also less fructose and citric acid; a similar effect could be produced by vasectomy. Presumably some testosterone must normally pass along the vas deferens into the testicular fluid and influence in this way the development of the ampulla.

A Bilaterally Cryptorchid Springbok Ram, Antidorcas Marsupialis Marsupialis

“…They were slightly lighter (1-2 g compared to 1-5 g) but appeared histologically similar to normal ampullae. This observation supports the theory of Skinner & Rowson (1968) that testosterone in the testicular fluid has a local effect on the ampullae. I am grateful to Mr J. H. M. van Zyl and his staff of the Division of Nature Conservation, Pretoria, who were responsible for shooting the rams.…”

A morphological study on Leydig cells of scrotal hyperthermia applied rats in short-term

“…The present observations and the conclusion reached confirm and extend especially the light microscopical findings of Van Straaten et al (1978) in naturally cryptorchid piglets, and also, to a certain extent, those of Van Straaten and Wensing (1977) and Hochereaude Reviers et al (1979) who recorded a marked decrease in the total number of LC in the cryptorchid testes of adult pigs and rams, respectively. They also provide an anatomical basis for such findings as a decline in the activity of enzymes associated with androgen biosynthesis in cryptorchid testes (Llaurado and Dominguez 1963;Kormano et al 1964;Skinner and Rowson 1968) and an actual decrease in the levels of serum testosterone (Eik-Nes 1968;Amatayakul et al 1971;Hall and Gomes 1975). Transient changes in serum testosterone levels were observed in rats after single heat exposure (Lue et al 1999).…”

Examination of the Hypothesis That a Direct Control System Exists for the Prostate and Seminal Vesicles

“…Mann (1964) observed very high levels of fructose in the ejaculates of vasectomized rams and bulls and Thakur et al (1972) con¬ cluded that vasectomy in the rat increased fructose levels by enhancing androgen production. Skinner & Rowson (1968a) and Rakha & Igboeli (1971), on the other hand, found no difference in fructose content of the seminal vesicles after vasectomy. A point to be considered however is that an elevation in fructose concentrations could occur, even though androgenic influences had been reduced, because the spermatozoa which normally catabolize this sugar would no longer be present.…”