Spermatogenesis after Transplantation of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in Azoospermic Guinea Pigs: A Histological and Histomorphometric Study

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this research was to determine histomorphometric changes in busulfan-induced azoospermia after transplantation of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells (AdSCs) in guinea pig. AdSCs were isolated from adipose tissue around the testes of guinea pigs and characterized for mesenchymal properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Guinea pigs were allocated into three groups, including the control group without any intervention. To induce azoospermia, groups 2 and 3 received a dose of 40 mg/kg of busulfan with 21 days interval. Group 3 received 1×106 AdSCs in their seminiferous tubules of left testes, 35 days following last busulfan injection, while right testis in the group was considered for comparison as controls. Sixty days following transplantation of cell, histomorphometric and histopathologic changes of the experiments were assessed. RESULTS: After AdSCs’ transplantation, normal spermatogenesis appearance was noticed compared to busulfan-induced azoospermia and AdSCs recovered spermatogenesis, and our findings can be added to the literature in treating azoospermic infertilities. CONCLUSION: The transplanted AdSCs could induce production of germinal cells using testicular seminiferous tubules and were an effective source in treating azoospermia