Hyperthermia versus busulfan: Finding the effective method in animal model of azoospermia induction

Animal models of azoospermia are very applicable when evaluating new treatment methods for research purposes. The present study aimed to compare azoospermia induction in mice using busulfan or hyperthermia. To do this, about 36 adult male mice (28-30 g) were included into three experimental groups randomly (n = 12): control, busulfan (injected by a single dose of 40 mg/kg busulfan intraperitoneally) and hyperthermia (exposure to a temperature of 43°C every other day for 5 weeks). Animals were preserved for 35 and 70 days following interventions and then were sacrificed for further evaluations. After 35 days, busulfan and hyperthermia groups revealed a significant decrease in the sperm count and weight of testis compared to the control group (p < .0001). In addition, after 70 days, sperm count and weight of testis in group busulfan showed a significant increase compared to group hyperthermia (p < .01). No significant difference was observed regarding the mortality of mice between busulfan and hyperthermia groups. In group busulfan, degenerative changes in the germinal epithelium were detected in some tubules, although in group hyperthermia, degenerative changes and complete depletion of all tubules were observed. Continuous hyperthermia is a more effective method in the induction of as animal model of azoospermia compared to the busulfan.