RESUMEN
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells of rats caused by experimental varicocele and effect of soluble granules of Shengjing on the apoptosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty Wistar male rats were divided into three group: control group, model group, and treatment group. Experimental varicocele was induced by partial ligation of the left renal vein in Wistar rat. Apoptosis cells in the testes were detected by in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL) Technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The apoptosis index in model group was remarkably higher than that in control group (P < 0.001). There was significant difference between treatment and model groups in apoptosis index.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The apoptosis of spermatogenic cells by varicocele may play a important role in leading to subfertility. The soluble granules of Shengjing have negative effects on the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. The medicine can not only protect spermic production but improve the ability of procreation of testes.</p>