Experimental uremia in male rats: effect of interval between partial nephrectomies on testicular function

Testicular function in stepwise-nephrectomized rats, with a different interval between the two operations, was studied suing male Wistar rats. Serum levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine in stepwise-nephrectomized rats were significantly elevated compared to those in sham-operated rats (p < 0.001). With a 1-day interval between the two operations, these concentrations were considerably higher (p < 0.001) than those in 7-day interval rats. While serum LH levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in 1-day interval rats, FSH levels in this group were considerably higher (p < 0.001) than in other groups. Serum concentrations of androstenedione in 1-day interval rats were significantly suppressed compared to other groups (p < 0.01). Serum testosterone levels in stepwise-nephrectomized rats were considerably lower (p < 0.001) than in sham-operated rats. It is assumed that testicular function in stepwise-nephrectomized rats is influenced by the interval between the two operations.