Effect of administration of green tea extract on regeneration of the testicular parenchyma of Wistar rats submitted to heat stress

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of green tea extract (GTE) on the recovery of testicular parenchyma of adult Wistar rats submitted to heat stress (HS). Methodology: Animals (n=84) were distributed and treated, according to the experimental group (G1: unstressed and untreated; G2: stressed and untreated; G3: unstressed and treated; G4: stressed and treated). Results: The overall mean of testicular weight, epithelial height and tubular diameter were lower (P<0.05) in G2 and G4, and day 60 presented a higher value (P<0.05) to the two first parameters. The gonadosomatic index and the volumes of the seminiferous epithelium were lower (P<0.05) in G2 and G4. The overall means of proper tunica volume was lower (P<0.05) on day 30. The seminiferous tubule on days 15 and 30 presented lower values (P<0.05) in G2 and G4, although with higher values (P<0.05) on day 60. The volume of lymphatic space was higher (P<0.05) in G2 and G4, being day 60 higher (P<0.05) than day 15. Greater preservation and recovery of seminiferous epithelium occurred in G4, compared to G2. Conclusion: Thus, the GTE administration is an effective way to improving tissue recovery after testicular damage, induced by short-term heat.