Pathogenesis of varicocele: experimental study using flow cytometric DNA analysis

Despite extensive investigation, a cause-and-effect relationship between varicocele and male infertility has not been fully proven. We investigated the effect of a unilateral varicocele on both testes. Spermatogenesis in the rats with a surgically induced left varicocele was evaluated 5 weeks postoperatively by measurement of testicular weight, flow cytometric DNA analysis and evaluation of the mean seminiferous tubular diameter (MSTD). In rats with varicoceles, the testicular weight, the percentage of haploid cells and the MSTD were decreased in both testes in contrast to sham-operated rats. There was a greater decrease on the left side. These results suggest that unilateral varicocele may impair spermatogenesis in both testes, with the impairment being greater on the ipsilateral side.