The effects of orchiectomy and steroid on fertility in experimental testicular atrophy

OBJECTIVE: Despite our understanding of Sertoli cell function and the state of spermatogenesis, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study was conducted to compare the effects of orchiectomy and steroid treatment on fertility in testicular atrophy occurring after testicular torsion. METHODS: Thirty-three rats were divided into four groups. The atrophy, orchiectomy, and atrophy-steroid groups each contained nine rats, while the control group contained six. The left testes were rotated 720º, and atrophy was observed. In the atrophy-steroid rats, orchiectomy was performed after atrophy, and 1 mg/kg steroid was injected. Each male rat was housed with five female rats for 6 days. The fertility of the male rats was evaluated based on the pregnancy of the female rats. Left and right orchiectomies were performed to determine the tissue Johnsen score (JS) and the serum inhibin B (IB) level. RESULTS: JS values were significantly lower in the atrophy, orchiectomy, and atrophy-steroid groups than in the control group (p<0.05), while no significant difference was observed in JS between the atrophy and orchiectomy groups (p>0.05). Similarly, no significant differences in IB level or fertility percentage were found between the atrophy and orchiectomy rats (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In unilateral testicular atrophy, which can occur in the prepubertal period due to various causes, orchiectomy does not appear to benefit fertility, as indicated by IB, JS, and the fertility percentage.