Influence of thymosin on the level of cyclic nucleotides in rats with experimental varicocele |
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Authors: | Zeng Jin Zhang Yong-shang Zhuang Qian-yuan Li Jia-gui |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical University, Wuhan |
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Abstract: | Summary Experimental varicocele was induced by partial ligation of the left renal vein in rats, and the effect of thymosin (fraction
5), a hormone secreted by the thymus, on the level of cyclic nucleotides was investigated. The levels of cAMP and cGMP in
plasma and testicular tissue were estimated using radioimmunoassay techniques. The results showed that the level of cAMP in
bilateral testicular tissues in rats with experimental varicocele decreased considerably, especially in the left testicular
tissue as compared with that in the control group (P<0.05). 4 weeks after thymosin administration (0.5 mg/rat, twice a week), the level of cAMP in bilateral testicular tissues
rose significantly, as compared with that in the experimental varicocele group (P<0.01). These findings indicate that there exists imbalance in the metabolism of cyclic nucleotides in rats with experimental
varicocele. This suggests that the abnormal level of cyclic nucleotides is one of the causes of infertility with varicocele.
Since thymosin participates in the metabolism and regulation of cyclic nucleotides, it may have a direct or an indirect effect
on the growth and function of reproductive cells. |
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Keywords: | thymosin cyclic nucleotides experimental varicocele testis |
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