LPS-induced transient testicular dysfunction accompanied by apoptosis of testicular germ cells in mice

The aim of this study was to clarify effects of inflammation on spermatogenesis in LPS-administered mice. ICR mice were treated by intraperitoneal injection for 7 days with either physiological saline (control) or 0.1 mg lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/kg body weight/day. Control mice were killed at 24 h after the last injection and the LPS-treated group after 24 h or 1, 3, or 5 weeks. Sperm concentration and motility in the cauda epididymis were examined as well as immunohistochemical localization of Fas and FasL and germ cell apoptosis. Sperm concentration and motility markedly fluctuated in LPS-treated mice. Increase of apoptotic cells was common in all post-LPS treatment groups, with a peak at 24 h after LPS injection. In contrast to the lack of Fas immunoreactivity in control testes, LPS-treated groups demonstrated Fas in many germ cells, especially in spermatocytes and spermatids. Immunoreactivity for FasL, on the other hand, was positive for some Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and germ cells in both control and LPS-treated groups at all time points. The results suggest that the Fas/FasL system mediates apoptosis of germ cells in LPS-treated mice testes. LPS-administered mice thus provide a good experimental model for the study of transient disruption of spermatogenesis.