Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin on the normal testicular tissue of rats

Abstract

PURPOSE:To investigate the effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the testicular tissue of young male rats. METHODS:Male Wistar rats were assigned to groups (10 rats/group).Control Group received subcutaneous saline solution; Group 1 received hCG 50UI/Kg/dose; and Group 2 received hCG 100UI/Kg/dose, daily for 15 days. Half was submitted to bilateral orchiectomy on the 16 th day and the other half 45 days after the beginning of the hormone application. Testicles were weighed, measured and has their volumes determined. The diameter of the tubules and the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium were measured. RESULTS:Control Group presented the highest values of testicles volume and weight. Rats in the Control presented normal histology.In G1 and G2 atrophy of the seminiferous tubules, apoptosis of germ cells and multinucleated giant cells were observed. Comparing groups, in the first operation Control rats had higher diameter values. In the second operation, the Control was only different from G1.As for thickness, Control had higher values in both operations. Comparing the time of operation, the diameter values were higher in G1and G2 in the second operation. For all groups, the thickness of the epithelium was higher in the second operation. CONCLUSIONS:Human chorionic gonadotropin is gonadotoxic in rats. This effect was temporary and can affect reproductive potential. The total recovery of testicular damage in the studied range could not be proved, and the effects were not dose-dependent.

Novel Sperm and Gonadotropin‐releasing Hormone‐based Recombinant Fusion Protein: Achievement of 100% Contraceptive Efficacy by Co‐immunization of Male and Female Mice

“…At least eight sections from each testis per animal were evaluated for histopathological changes using a Nikon Eclipse 80‐i microscope. About 25 seminiferous tubules from left as well as right testis per animal were selected randomly for measurement of their diameter and circumference using Motic Images Plus 3.0 ML software, as described previously (Montoto et al, ; Altoè et al, ).…”

Long‐term NaHS administration reduces oxidative stress and apoptosis in a rat model of left‐side varicocele

“…Motic Image Plus 2.0 Ml was used for the analysis of images (Altoé et al, 2014). Totally, 10 sections of seminiferous per animal were measured.…”

The effect of clomiphene citrate and human chorionic gonadotropin on the expression of CatSper1, CatSper2, LHCGR, and SF1 genes, as well as the structural changes in testicular tissue of adult rats

“…Such sensitivity influences the process of spermatogenesis, leading to the impairment in fertility. The evaluation of the properties of seminiferous tubules, that is, morphological and morphometric parameters is a simple method for the assessment of the changes in the spermatogenesis process (Altoé et al, ; Soltani et al, ). The spermatogenic process could be decreased by detrimental alterations in the function of stem cells, resulting in degeneration of spermatogonial cells and phagocytosis by Sertoli cells.…”

“…The spermatogenic process could be decreased by detrimental alterations in the function of stem cells, resulting in degeneration of spermatogonial cells and phagocytosis by Sertoli cells. Also, the exposure of spermatogonial cells to environmental toxicity can also make a delay on the process of spermatogenesis and even cause apoptosis and degeneration in germ cells, eventually resulted in hormonal dysfunction and infertility problem (Altoé et al, ). Numerous research has shown that the spermatogenesis process is influenced by gonadotropins and androgens.…”

“…However, there are many conflicting studies about the role of HCG. A number of studies have shown the deleterious effects of HCG on rat gonads (Altoé et al, ). On the other hand, some studies reported that HCG could be used as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of idiopathic infertility (Tahmasbpour, Balasubramanian, & Agarwal, ).…”