Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2025

09:40
A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model
Published on: February 6, 2018
14.9K
Sustanon suppresses spermatogenesis and increases cell death.
Fatemeh Kamali Hosseinzadeh1, Jina Khayatzadeh1, Mohammad Mahdi Forghanifard2
1Department of Biology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.
Translational Andrology and Urology
|January 16, 2025
Summary
Anabolic-androgenic steroids like Sustanon negatively impact male reproductive health. This study found reduced fertility markers and testicular damage in rats treated with Sustanon.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic testosterone derivatives.
- Sustanon, an AAS dissolved in peanut oil, is used by athletes for muscle gain.
- This study investigates Sustanon's effects on male reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of Sustanon administration on male reproductive parameters.
- To assess changes in gene expression related to spermatogenesis and cell survival.
- To examine histological alterations in testicular tissue.
Main Methods:
- Adult male rats were administered varying doses of Sustanon (10, 20, 30 mg/kg) or vehicle control for 8 weeks.
- Blood, testes, and spermatozoa were collected for analysis.
- Gene expression (DAZL, BCL2) was quantified using real-time PCR, and testicular histopathology was performed.
Main Results:
- Sustanon treatment led to significantly lower BCL2 gene expression.
- No significant change in DAZL gene expression was observed.
- Reductions in testicular size, sperm count, LH, and FSH levels were noted, alongside histological damage.
Conclusions:
- Sustanon administration adversely affects male reproductive health.
- The findings suggest Sustanon may decrease fertility by impairing spermatogenesis and cell survival.
Related Concept Videos
Spermatogenesis
102.1K
Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male...
102.1K
Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
539
The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...
539
Sperm Transport
632
The journey of sperm from its origin to the point of ejaculation begins within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Here, Sertoli cells produce fluid that propels non-motile sperm through a series of conduits, starting with the straight tubules leading to the rete testis. This interconnected network of tubules acts as the initial pathway for sperm, guiding them into the efferent ductules and then into the epididymis for maturation.
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...
632
Sperm Structure and Semen Composition
1.2K
During ejaculation, males release around 2-5 milliliters of semen, which is a complex mixture of mature sperm and various fluids produced by accessory glands. The mature sperm cells measure approximately 60 micrometers in length and consist of a head, neck, midpiece, and tail. The head is flattened and tapered, measuring about 4 to 5 micrometers in length. It contains a nucleus with condensed chromosomes and an acrosome, a cap-like structure filled with enzymes essential for penetrating the...
1.2K
Testes: Histology
662
A tough, fibrous membrane, the tunica albuginea, covers the testes, extending inward to form fibrous partitions or septa, dividing them into internal compartments called lobules. Each lobule has 1 to 3 tightly coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs. These tubules merge into a tubular network at the back of the testis, known as the rete testis. It connects to 15 to 20 efferent ductules, leading to the epididymis.
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
662
Infertility in Males
241
Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
241

