Experimental study on the regulation of testicular function by the cremaster reflex in rats

The present study was performed to clarify the role of the cremaster reflex in regulating the testicular function in rats. The impairment of cremaster reflex by bilateral dissection of the genitofemoral nerves resulted in a decrease of testicular weight and degenerative changes of the semeniferous tubules in the rats kept in a cold room (4 degrees C), but not in the rats kept at room temperature (22 degrees C). The results indicate that the cremaster reflex contributes much to the temperature regulation of the testicle located within the scrotum.