Evaluation of the frequency of stages VII-VIII and XIV of the tubular cycle of adult rats, 30 d after phenolization of the spermatic cord. Response to chronic administration of hCG.

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of testicular denervation on the spermatogenetic activity of the testes and on the ability of the germinal epithelium to respond to chronic administration of hCG. Testes of adult rats were denervated by phenolization of the spermatic cord. An increase in the frequency of stages VII-VIII of the tubular cycle was observed 30 d later in phenolized rats treated with hCG, demonstrating an increase in the amount of spermatozoa present in the seminiferous tubules of these animals. The frequency of stage XIV remained unchanged after phenolization of the spermatic cord and/or chronic treatment with hCG, indicating that the rate of reductional divisions remained constant. The results suggest the autonomic nervous system may have some functional significance by participating in a neuroendocrine mechanism and consequently in the spermatogenesis.