Testicular suspension: effect on testicular function.

The present communication studies the testicular function during suspension of the testicle to the scrotal neck. The material consisted of 28 dogs: 20 test dogs and 8 controls. In the 20 test dogs, the 2 testicles were suspended to the skin at the scrotal neck by 2-3 silk stitches. After one year, the testiculo-scrotal suspension was released. During testicular suspension, there was significant drop in the scrotal-rectal temperature difference. Semen quality showed gradual deterioration so that by the 12th month, 80% of the test dogs were azoospermic. There was a significant drop of serum testosterone and elevation of serum prolactin. 8 of the 20 test dogs which produced pregnancy when mated before testicular suspension, failed after suspension. After release of testicular suspension by 3 months, scrotal-rectal temperature difference, sperm count and morphology and hormonal assay showed normal levels. Mating of the same 8 dogs produced pregnancy. In conclusion, testicular suspension leads to spermatogenic depression and infertility which are reversible.