Response of testes, epididymis, and seminal vesicle of rabbits to zinc deficiency.

It is the purpose of this study to determine the effects of Zn deficiency on the biochemical composition of testes, epididymis, and seminal vesicle of rabbits. An attempt is made to evaluate previous physiological studies and to correlate them with biochemical changes. 30 mature male Balady rabbits were used in this study. 1 group was fed a Zn-deficient diet, and 2 control groups were pair-fed or fed ad libitum a Zn-sufficient diet, all for a period of 120 d. There was significant reduction in the levels of hyaluronidase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase, sialic acid, protein, and Zn of both testes and epididymis of Zn-deficient rabbits. Reduction in the level of glyceryl-phosphoryl choline in the epididymis of Zn-deficient rabbits was the best indicator of inhibition of epididymal secretory activity. In contrast, the cholesterol and glycogen contents of the testes were elevated. The results also showed in Zn-deficient rabbits significant reduction in androgen-sensitive parameters, namely fructose and citric acid in the seminal vesicle. Zn levels were decreased in the seminal vesicle. The results indicated that Zn deficiency caused inhibition of testicular, epididymal, and seminal vesicle function and, consequently, caused reductions in the biochemical composition of these organs.