THE INFLUENCE OF THE SURGICAL TECHNIQUE USED FOR VASECTOMY ON TESTIS FUNCTION IN RATS

Abstract

Recent studies have suggested that vasectomy or vasoligation can have deleterious effects on testis structure and function in rats. Sackler, Weltman, Pandhi & Schwartz (1973) found a decrease in the testis weights and total 17-ketosteroid excretion 28 weeks after bilateral vasectomy or vasoligation of immature rats performed without aseptic precautions; the decrease in 17-ketosteroid excretion was observed as early as 15 weeks after the operation. Thakur, Sheth & Rao (1972) reported decreased testis weights, but increased androgenic activity (as judged by prostatic maltase activity) in unilaterally and bilaterally vasoligated adult rats, using a 'semi-sterile' technique. These results are in conflict with earlier studies (Moore & Quick, 1924; Smith, 1962) in which only transient increases of testis weights were found after vasectomy. It is possible that decreased testicular activity could be the