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- Title
Effects of varicocele on testosterone, apoptosis and expression of StAR mRNA in rat Leydig cells.
- Authors
Luo, De-Yi; Yang, Gang; Liu, Jian-Jun; Yang, Yu-Ru; Dong, Qiang
- Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the effects of varicocele on the morphology and function of Leydig cells in the rat testis. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: the experimental group underwent surgery to create a left varicocele (VC), and the control group underwent a sham operation. Serum testosterone and intratesticular testosterone levels were measured using a radioimmunoassay after 4 and 8 weeks of operation. Leydig cells were studied for apoptosis and expression of steroidogenetic acute regulatory (StAR) protein mRNA levels. Serum testosterone levels declined after 4 and 8 weeks of operation but were not significant (P>0.05). However, the intratesticular testosterone levels after 8 weeks were significantly decreased compared with the control group (P<0.01). The mean apoptosis index of Leydig cells in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group after 4 or 8 weeks (P<0.01). StAR mRNA levels in the Leydig cells of the experimental group were significantly lower compared to those of the control group (P<0.01). Our data show that varicocele did impair Leydig cell function by increasing apoptosis and suppressing the expression of the StAR protein.
- Publication
Asian journal of andrology, 2011, Vol 13, Issue 2, p287
- ISSN
1745-7262
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1038/aja.2010.111