ROLE OF THE SPERMATIC ARTERY IN SPERMATOGENESIS AND SEX-HORMONE SYNTHESIS

This study was conducted to determine whether the spermatogenesis of t estes and the serum sex hormone synthesis are influenced by the ligati on of spermatic arteries. Sixteen adult male dogs were randomly divide d into four groups. From our preliminary data the spermatogenic arrest and decrease of testicular volume were noted prominently in dogs afte r ligation of spermatic arteries. The serum testosterone level decreas ed and the serum luteinizing hormone level increased significantly in the same groups, while no significant changes were found in the dogs w ith preserved spermatic arteries. There were no significant difference s in the epididymis and serum follicle-stimulating hormone among the f our groups. This study attempted to establish the critical role of spe rmatic arteries in testicular function.