Effects of experimental torsion of the spermatic cord on Leydig cell function in the guinea pig testis: an ultrastructural stereological analysis.

An ultrastructural stereological analysis of Leydig cells of the guinea pig testis was carried out following surgically induced testicular torsion. Morphometric analyses of the Leydig cells of the experimental group of animals revealed an increase in the nuclear and mitochondrial volume and a decrease in the lipid volume, in comparison to those in the Leydig cells of the control group of animals. We believe that these changes in the Leydig cells of the experimental group of animals are indicative of cellular hypertrophy. The possible mechanisms of the Leydig cell hypertrophy in the guinea pig testis following the induction of spermatic cord torsion are discussed.