Effect of Sacral Cordotomy on the Reproductive Organs of the Male Guinea Pig1

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Abstract
Transection of the spinal cord at the lumbosacral articulation in 4 sexually mature guinea pigs resulted in a marked reduction in the weight of the testes and seminal vesicles from 542.8 mg/100 g VW [volume weight] to 291.3 mg/100 g BW [body weight] (P < 0.01) and 570.9 mg/100 g BW to 130.4 mg/100 g BW (P < 0.001), respectively. Plasma concentration of testosterone also fell markedly from control levels of 2.6 ng/ml to 0.8 ng/ml (P < 0.001) in animals which were subjected to cord section 49 days previously. Intact sacral cord and nerves are apparently necessary for normal reproductive function.