To investigate the testosterone-producing activity of testicular autografts, homogenated suspensions of 50mg, 100mg, and 250mg of testicular tissue containing interstitial cells were transplanted to various sites(subcutaneous tissue, peritoneum,
and subcapsular space, respectively) in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. One month later, the serum testosterone concentration and the relative weight of the seminal vesicles were measured, and the grafted tissue and seminal vesicles were examined histologically.
After transplantation of the 100-to 200-mg graft, equivalent to 1/8 to 1/3 of the volume of a single testicle, the serum testosterone concentration increased to 25% of the control value (P<0.05 vs. Castrated animals). Subcapsular and
intraperitoneal grafts were more effective than subcutaneous grafts(P<0.05). Histologically, the subcapsular grafts showed a large collection of interstitial cells with atrophy of the seminiferous tubules. Grafted testicular tissue can survive and produce testosterone for at least 1 month, but the hormone-synthesizing activity was not enough for the maintenance of normal androgenic effect.
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