Effects of thymosin on the secretion of the sexual hormone in rats with experimental varicocele.

Hormonal abnormality in experimental varicocele induced by partial ligation of left renal vein and the effect of thymosin (fraction 5) on the secretion of the sexual hormone were studied in rats. Serum testosterone level was lowered after varicocele formation, but could be reversed or increased by intraperitoneal administration of thymosin 5 mg/rat twice a week for 4 weeks with concomitant increase of testicular testosterone content. Changes in FSH and LH both in serum and testis, determined with immunoassay method as that of testosterone, were insignificant as compared with control or thymosin treated groups.