A study of male reproductive form and function in a rat model

ObjectiveThis investigation was undertaken in the hope of delineating the effects of four different treatments on male reproductive biology in a rat model. The effect of cryptorchidism, gonadectomy, pharmacological ablation of Leydig cell function and androgen-treatment was examined; these four treatments illustrate four different factors influencing and controlling male sexual function in a reproducible animal model.MethodsTotal body weight, androgen concentration, gonad weight and secondary sex organ weights were measured for the four-abovementioned treatment groups and correlated to function.ResultsIt was demonstrated that total body weight decreased for all treatment options. The testicular-derived testosterone concentration for EDS-treated and castrated rats was determined to be zero, although adrenal production continues. Testis weight was shown to decrease following testosterone administration as a consequence of feedback inhibition. Both the prostate and seminal vesicles are highly androgen-sensitive, and as such both experienced an increase in weight following testosterone administration.ConclusionsThis experimental setup was successful in elucidating the physiological mechanisms involved in male reproductive function. Body weight, the weights of the testes and accessory sex organs and androgen levels were intrinsically related to basal androgen levels.