The aim: To investigate the nature of morphofunctional changes in the parenchyma and bloodstream of the testes of white rats with prolonged administration of high doses of prednisolone.
Material and methods: The experiments were performed on rats fed daily for 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. prednisolone was administered intramuscularly at a rate of 0.4 mg / kg. Massometric, organometric, histological and morphometric studies were performed.
Results: Administration of high doses of prednisolone resulted in a significant increase in body weight and testicular weight and volume. As the drug was administered, spermatogenesis was activated. The number of immature forms of germ cells increased significantly. At the same time, the specific number of mature forms of sperm decreased. This led to a significant increase in the diameter of the convoluted tubules, the thickness of the spermatogenic epithelium, as well as the index of spermatogenesis. The increase in indicators was especially intense until the 7th day of observation, after which its rate decreased, although the dynamics remained unchanged. The thickness of the protein shell tended to decrease. The detected changes occurred against the background of dilation and plethora of arteries, especially up to 7-14 days of the experiment, after which their intensity decreased slightly. This was accompanied by a simultaneous reversible narrowing of the lumen of small arteries and arterioles.
Conclusion: Thus, long-term administration of high doses of prednisolone promotes the activation of spermatogenesis with an increase in immature forms of germ cells and a simultaneous decrease in the proportion of mature sperm. Increased vascular blood supply, especially in the early period. In the long run, the capacity of small arteries and arterioles is reduced, as well as the degree of activation of spermatogenesis.
