Maintenance of Spermatogenesis in Rats with Intratesticular Implants Containing Testosterone or Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)1

Abstract

Silastic capsules containing testosterone or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were implanted into the left testis of adult hypophysectomized rats and the animals were autopsied at the interval of 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks. At 4 and 8 weeks, testes containing DHT or testosterone implants were heavier than contralateral control testes or gonads implanted with empty silastic capsules. Advanced stages of spermatogenesis were observed adjacent to implants containing testosterone or DHT at 4 or 8 weeks, but were absent in the contralateral testes or testes implanted with empty capsules. These results indicate that DHT is capable of maintaining spermatogenesis in the hypophysectomized rat.