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Macrophage activation enhances the human chorionic gonadotrophin-induced disruption of spermatogenesis in the rat
1Department of Anatomy, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to examine the role of intertubular macrophages in modifying the response of the rat testis to stimulation by human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). The phagocytic activity of macrophages was stimulated by a unilateral intratesticular injection of polystyrene latex beads. Latex beads were engulfed by the resident macrophages and retained within their cytoplasm. Contralateral testes received injection of vehicle alone. A group of control rats was killed 3 days later; other groups received 100 IU hCG s.c. and the morphological and functional responses of the testes were examined 12, 24 and 48 h later. Spermatogenesis was unaffected in control rats, whereas in the testes of all hCG-treated rats leukocytes infiltrated into the intertubular tissue and the seminiferous tubules exhibited focal disruptions of spermatogenesis which were more severe in testes containing activated macrophages. Spermatogenic disruption was dependent upon the stage of the spermatogenic cycle, with the maximum tubule degeneration occurring at or near stages III and IX-XI. However these changes were not a consequence of androgen deprivation, since no consistent correlation was demonstrated between alterations in testosterone levels in testicular interstitial fluid and the accompanying damage to germ cells. It is concluded that hCG alone or in combination with activated macrophages induces an inflammatory-type response of the intertubular tissue and localized degeneration of the seminiferous epithelium. The antispermatogenic effects of hCG may have important implications for in-vivo investigations of Leydig cell function in laboratory animals and for the efficacy of hCG administration used in the clinical treatment of male hypogonadism.
Insights
Activated macrophages worsen testicular damage caused by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation. This study reveals that hCG induces inflammation and disrupts spermatogenesis, particularly when macrophages are activated, impacting male reproductive health research and treatments.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Immunology
- Histology
Background:
- Macrophages play a role in testicular function and immune responses.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is used in research and clinical settings related to male reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of intertubular macrophages in the rat testis response to hCG stimulation.
- To determine if activated macrophages exacerbate hCG-induced testicular damage.
Main Methods:
- Rats received unilateral intratesticular injections of latex beads to activate macrophages.
- Contralateral testes received vehicle injection.
- Rats were treated with hCG (100 IU s.c.) and testicular responses were examined at 12, 24, and 48 hours.
Main Results:
- hCG treatment led to leukocyte infiltration and focal disruptions in spermatogenesis.
- Testicular damage was more severe in testes with activated macrophages.
- Spermatogenic disruption varied by stage of the spermatogenic cycle (max at stages III and IX-XI).
- Damage was not correlated with testosterone levels, ruling out androgen deprivation.
Conclusions:
- hCG alone or with activated macrophages induces an inflammatory response and seminiferous epithelium degeneration.
- The antispermatogenic effects of hCG have implications for in-vivo studies of Leydig cell function and clinical hCG use for male hypogonadism.