The Effects of Hypothyroidism on Wistar Rat Spermatogenesis

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) play importand role for postnatal development and maturation. In this study, the effect of hypothyroidism on spermatogenesis 2 month age Wistar rats were investigated. Materials and Methods: The animals were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group were made hypothyroid by chemical thyroidectomy with propylthyourasil (PTU). The control were remind untreated. After 3 week, the animals were scarified and testes were fixed in formalin for histological studies. Results: Our data indicated that, hypothyroidism resulted n significant reduction in seminiferous tubule and lumen diameter. Control ras showed active spermatogenesis whereas in hypothyroid rats, the proliferation and differentiation of germ cells were arrested and their number was decreased. Conclusion: The present study clearly indicates that hypothyroidism adversely affects spermatogenesis; it also indicates that thyroid hormones are essential for normal spermatogenesis.