Role of the spermatic artery in spermatogenesis and sex hormone synthesis.

This study was conducted to determine whether the spermatogenesis of testes and the serum sex hormone synthesis are influenced by the ligation of spermatic arteries. Sixteen adult male dogs were randomly divided into four groups. From our preliminary data the spermatogenic arrest and decrease of testicular volume were noted prominently in dogs after ligation of spermatic arteries. The serum testosterone level decreased and the serum luteinizing hormone level increased significantly in the same groups, while no significant changes were found in the dogs with preserved spermatic arteries. There were no significant differences in the epididymis and serum follicle-stimulating hormone among the four groups. This study attempted to establish the critical role of spermatic arteries in testicular function.