Effect of sertoli cell changes on germ cells in experimentally produced varicocele in rats

Kim, Se Joong; Lee, Moo Sang

Abstract

The relationship between Sertoli cells and germ cells in varicocele remains controversial. To study this relationship in varicocele, seminiferous tubular changes were observed in pubertal rats according to the length of time after induction of the varicocele and the interval between induction and repair of the varicocele. As the length of time of the varicocele increased, accumulation of lipid inclusions within the Sertoli cell cytoplasm appeared first and then premature sloughing of the early spermatids appeared. Lastly, decrease in testicular weight and mean seminiferous tubular diameter (MSTD) together with decrease in the number of late spermatids were observed. Inter-Sertoli cell junctions were preserved unrelated to the duration of the varicocele. When Sertoli cell changes were reversed after varicocele repair, premature sloughing of the early spermatids was not observed. The testicular weight, MSTD and number of late spermatids were significantly increased compared to controls. When Sertoli cell changes were not fully reversed after varicocele repair, premature sloughing of the early spermatids was still observed. The testicular weight, MSTD and number of late spermatids were not significantly increased compared to controls. These results suggest that the blood-testis barrier remains intact in varicocele. The Sertoli cell is the primary intratubular site of alteration leading secondarily to spermatogenic disruption in varicocele. Changes in the Sertoli cell cause premature sloughing of the early spermatids and affect maximally the spermatid Stage.