Development of Diabetic‐Infertility induced by Streptozotocin in the Male Rat

Diabetes was induced in male rats by streptozotocin (60 mg/kg BW). Rats were sacrificed at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11 and 14 weeks after induction of diabetes. On autopsy the prostate, coagulating glands, seminal vesicles, epididymides and testes were isolated and weighed. Sperm isolated from the epididymis were characterized. The endocrine function of the testes was evaluated by counting number of Leydig cells per testes, testicular and serum testosterone and the testosterone production by the isolated Leydig cells. The following changes were found; testicular and serum testosterone decreased significantly starting the 2nd week of the diabetes, the atrophy of the accessory glands began shortly after diabetic induction and reached maximal values after 8 weeks, testicular weight began to decrease from the 8th week of the diabetic induction as well as the Leydig cells, the function of the epididymis was depressed as reflected in its weight and sperm quality. It can be concluded that the axis LH – Leydig cells is much more sensitive than FSH – tubuli to the block of LHRH secretion following streptozotocin induced diabetes.