Hormone and pathology changes in vasectomized and vasoligated rats. (Abstract only)

Groups of immature male Wistar rats (80 gm) were vasectomized vasol igated or sham-operated. Body weights were recorded weekly for 28 weeks. Rats were sacrificed at 28 weeks for biochemical organ weight pathological and histological studies. No differences were noted in the body weights of the 2 tests vs. control groups. Significant increases were observed in total WBC at the 13th and 20th weeks. Consistent decreases were found in urinary 17-ketosteroid levels of the test groups at Weeks 15 and 22 but were only significantly decreased at Week 15 in the vasectomized group. At autopsy plasma corticosterone was significantly elevated in the vasectomized rats. Both test groups had significantly lower testes weights but decreases in the relative seminal vesicle weights were only significant in the vasoligated rats. Relative thymic increases in the test groups were not significant nor the differences in the adrenal liver and kidney weights. Cross-examination revealed in many cases small soft purplish testes and the frequent occurrence of epididymal and vas deferens cysts in the vasectomized and vasoligated rats. The findings of leukocytosis differences in biochemical and hormonal levels and pathologies in the gonadal and accessory and accessory structures of vasectomized and vasoligated rats suggest the need for caution in mans use of vasectomy procedures.(FULL TEXT)