Subcutaneous autologous testicle transplantation in Wistar rats

To assess the hormone secretion and viability of subcutaneous autotransplanted testicles in Wistar rats.

Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham (group I, n = 4), bilateral orchiectomy (group II, n = 4), sliced autotransplantation group (group III, n = 4), and whole-testicle autotransplantation group (group IV, n = 4). Sexual behavior (genital sniffing, thrusting intromissions, mounts with pelvic thrusting frequency), serum testosterone levels, and body weight were measured eight weeks after the procedure.

Subcutaneous autotransplantation elicited an increased number of mounts (P < 0.007) and intromissions (P < 0.009) and a significant reduction in the latency of these two behaviors (P < 0.034) compared with castrated animals. The frequency of sniffing of the bodies of sexually receptive females was not affected by castration (P = 0.326). Serum testosterone in whole autotransplantation group (219.23; 184.02-229.23) was higher than for the sliced autotransplantation group (0.74; 0.54-0.91) and bilateral orchiectomy group (0.59; 0.4-0.82; P < 0.05). We demonstrated that testicles transplanted without vascular anastomosis maintain their hormone secretion and exert neuroendocrine function on sexual behavior in rats. Autotransplantation could be an important alternative means of gonadal preservation for oncological patients considered for oncological therapies.