Effects of androgen deprivation on the histology of adult chimpanzee testis

Until primate sperm are exposed to the unique microenvironment of the epidi dymis, they are not capable of fertilization or vigorous motility. Many of the proteins that contribute to the unique microenvironment of the primate epididymis, and thus to sperm maturation, are dependent on androgens to ind uce their synthesis and secretion. GnRH antagonists have proved effective i n suppressing LH and testosterone synthesis and secretion, and thus in main taining a state of androgen deprivation or functional hypogonadotropism, We report here the effects of GnRH antagonist-induced androgen-deprivation on the histology of the testicular interstitium and seminiferous epithelium o f the adult male chimpanzee. After only 21 days of androgen-deprivation, ch impanzee testicular tissues exhibit specific atrophic changes, including th e loss of contact between developing spermatocytes and between Sertoli cell s and their developing spermatids, alterations in cell development resultin g in missing maturation steps (elongating Sc and structurally complete Sd2 spermatids) and inappropriate cell associations, varying degrees of cytopla smic degradation in germ cells, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells, and a tubu lar lumen obscured by masses of sloughed primary and secondary spermatocyte s and what appear histologically to be Sb1 and Sd1 spermatids. (C) 2001 Har court Publishers Ltd.