Effect of testicular capsulotomy on secretion of testosterone and gonadotrophins in rats

Aim: In order to clarify further the mechanisms underlying the effect of capsulotomy on testicular function, the lev-els of testosterone, LH and FSH were observed. Methods: Intratesticular testosterone levels and LH, FSH levelsin the peripheral blood of normal, sham-operated and capsulotomized rats were detected by RIA. Results: Aftertesticular capsulotomy, there was a progressive reduction in the testosterone level in the testicular venous blood togetherwith a progressive increase in the LH and FSH levels in the peripheral blood from approximately 30 days post-capsuloto-my. Morphological changes were observed at 5-10 days after capsulotomy, i. e., far ahead of the hormonal changes.Conclusion: The seminiferous tubular damage after testicular capsulotomy was not caused by the reduction in testos-terone, and on the contrary, the hormonal change might be secondary to the morphological alterations. The increase inLH level most likely resulted from a negative feedback influence from the lowered testosterone level, while the increasein FSH secretion may be a feedback signal of the damaged seminiferous tubules. (Asian J Androl 2000 Dec; 2: 257-261 )