Effect of the Vasectomy and Seminal Vesiculectomy on the Fine Structure of the Sperm-Acrosome

Kwak, Seuk Koo; Kim, Kee Soo

Abstract

It is generally conceded that vasectomy is one of the most reliable methods of birth control because the technique is relatively simple, and the complete obstruction of the pathway for spermatozoa. However, a lot of unexpected effects were found after vasectomy. The possibility that it may effect changes in the function and structure of the testis and epididymis, as it were the formation of the sperm granuloma and antisperm antibody has been an important consideration in the controversy. The fate of non-ejaculated spermatozoa is postulated by some authors that those are disappeared by a progress of dissolution and reabsorption in the epididymis, or by formation of the sperm granuloma. According to Choi and Kim`s report about the effects of the seminal vesiculectomy on the structure and function of the testis and epididymis in rats. The distribution ratio of the sperm granuloma formation was higher in group of vasectomy and seminal vesiculectomy than that of vasectomy only, which indicated that the seminal vesicle produces a certain substance which enhance the sperm to be dissolved and reabsorbed in the epididymis. Therefore, we have attempted to prove the true state of sperm-acrosome on the fine structure after vasectomy and seminal vesiculectomy. The results were as follows: 1. The acrosomal membrane appeared quite intact on the electron microscopic study. 2. The architecture of the nucleus remained unchanged. 3. There was no evidence of nuclear membrane discontinuities, nor widening of the subacrosomal space. 4. Seminal vesicle seems to have some destructive activity on the sperm-acrosome after vasectomy.