ISSN:
1573-8221
Keywords:
varicocele
;
spermatogenesis
;
autoimmune responses
;
blood-testis barrier
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Measured disturbance of the venous outflow from the left testis in rats causes the development of destructive changes in the spermatogenic epithelium both in the testis on the side of the operation and also in the contralateral organ. Disturbances of spermatogenesis in rat testes (foci of desquamation of spermatogenic epithelium, disorganization and degeneration of the sex cells, emptying of the seminiferous tubules) are similar to those in men with varicocele, so that the results of such experiments can be regarded as an experimental model of varicocele. In the experimental rats the permeability and fine structure of the blood-testis barrier were disturbed in both testes, the pattern of the morphological changes was similar with that observed during the development of autoimmune orchitis, and lymphocytes sensitized to spermatozoal antigens were found in the lymphoid organs. Taken as a whole, the results suggest involvement of immunologic mechanisms in the development of the pathological changes in the testes in varicocele.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00802352
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