Changes in testicular function induced by short‐term exposure of the rat testis to heat: further evidence for interaction of germ cells, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells

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Abstract
This study was designed to determine the effects of a short episode of testicular heating (43°C for 15 min) on spermatogenesis and Sertoli and Leydig cell function. Rats killed at intervals up to 156 days after heating were assessed by histological examination, and by measurement of serum FSH and LH, and by tests of Sertoli cell function consisting of fluid production, androgen binding protein (ABP) content of the ligated and unligated testes, together with the binding of [125I]FSH. Leydig cell function was assessed by in vitro testosterone production, serum testosterone levels and [125I]hCG binding to testes homogenates. Testis weight declined 7 days after heating to 70% of control and remained lower until 82 days, whereas epididymal weight did not decrease significantly until 26 days and also recovered by 82 days. Fluid production was significantly lower in heated testes at 26 days and returned to normal at 56 days. ABP production measured as the difference between the ABP content of ligated and unligated testes was significantly recuced at 14 and 26 days, but subsequently recovered. Serum FSH levels were significantly elevated from 14–26 days in the heat treated group and the binding of [125I]FSH was reduced at 26 days post‐heating. Basal and stimulated in vitro T production was significantly increased in the heat‐treated testes at 14 days and subsequently returned to normal whilst [125I]hCG binding was significantly lower in the heat‐treated testes from 7–26 days. Serum T and LH did not alter significantly during the study. Primary spermatocytes and young spermatids ***