[Effects of experimental varicocele on the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in rats].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of experimental varicocele on the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in rats.

METHODS

Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley(SD) male rats were randomly divided into four groups: pseudo-operation group, 45 d experimental group, 60 d experimental group and 90 d experimental group. Experimental varicocele was created by partial ligation of left renal vein. The apoptosis number of spermatogenic cells was measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

No marked apoptosis peak was observed in the control group, but it was observed in all the other groups, and the height of the peak increased with the duration of experiment.

CONCLUSIONS

Varicocele can induce apoptosis of large numbers of spermatogenic cells, and the decrease of spermatogenic cells. This may be the mechanism of varicocele causing male sterility.