Effects of vasectomy on endocrine and hepatic function.

40 male Sesco 300-320 gm rats were divided into control and vasectomized groups to examine the long-term effects of vasectomy particularly on the endocrine function of the testes. In the vasectomized group 2 ligations were carried out in the straight portion of each vas deferens the portion between the ligations in each vas then being removed. Sacrifice was 2 months postoperative. Though no significant differences occurred in the prostate seminal vesicle and pituitary weights liver weights were increased significantly (p<.05) in the vasectomized group. Weight of the testes was reduced 32% in the vasectomized group. Testes in the vasectomized group were almost always spongy and gelatinlike; numerous vacuoles were present in the interstitium. In the vasectomized group serum testosterone concentrations tended to be higher but no significant difference was seen. Other significant increases in the vasectomized group were in prostate RNA level testes alkaline phosphatase concentration and rate of demethylation of p-Chloro-N-methylaniline (all ps<.001).