Impairment of gonadal function and epididymal sperm passage following cremaster muscle transection in the goat

ABSTRACT

Unilateral transection of cremaster muscle was done in young adults of the small East African goat. The animals were subsequently examined for libido; fertility; functional and morphological changes in the testis; semen characteristics and testosterone profile over a period of one year. Within three months of operation there was progressive testicular induration; oligospermia and reduction in fertility. It is concluded that cremaster transection impairs passage of spermatozoa from the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis. The blocked tubules on bursting lead to the formation of sperm granuloma and anti-bodies; the latter causing further damage to both testes