Abstract
Blood flow to the testis, measured by the133-Xenon isotope clearance technique, initially increased after rams were exposed to elevated (32°C) temperature. However, after 5 and 7 days continuous exposure, blood flow decreased significantly. Similar changes in blood flow to the testis were found during whole body exposure to elevated temperature, or when the temperature of the testis was increased by scrotal heating. After one week of heating the wall of the spermatic artery in the middle region of the pampiniform plexus had thickened, and the arterial lumen had decreased significantly. The PGF 2α content in the testis of rams exposed to elevated temperature increased significantly. It is tentatively postulated that the higher levels of PGF 2α in the testis of rams exposed to elevated temperature may be responsible for impaired spermatogenic function by constricting the spermatic artery in the pampiniform plexus region and thereby reducing blood flow to the testis.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
ANDERSSON, L., DAHN, I., NELSON, C. E. and NORGREN, A. (1967): Method for measuring prostatic blood flow with133Xenon in the dog. Invest. Urol., 5: 140–148.
COMSTOCK, R. E., GREEN, W. W., WINTERS, L. M. and NORDSKOG, H. V. (1943): Studies of semen and semen production. Minn. Tech. Bul. No. 162, p. 55.
DUTT, R. H. and HAMM, PAUL T. (1957): Effect of exposure to high environmental temperature and shearing on semen production of rams in winter. J. Anim. Sci., 16: 328–334.
FREE, M. J. and JAFFE, R. A. (1972): Effect of prostaglandins on blood flow and pressure in the conscious rat. Prostaglandins, 1: 483–498.
FRITJOFSSON, A., PERSSON, J. E. and PETTERSSON, S. (1969): Testicular blood flow in man measured with133Xenon. Scand. J. Urol. Nephrol., 3: 276–280.
JOHNSON, A. D., GOMES, W. R. and VANDEMARK, N. L. (1969): Effect of elevated ambient temperature on lipid levels and cholesterol metabolism in the ram testis. J. Anim. Sci., 29: 469–475.
KETY, S. S. (1949): Measurement of regional circulation by the local injection of radioactive sodium. Amer. Heart J., 38: 321–328.
LEVINE, L., GUTTIERRES-CERNOSEK, R. M. and VAN VUNAKIS, H. (1971): Specificities of prostaglandins B, F1 and F2. J. biol. Chem. 246: 6782–6785.
MCKENZIE, F. F. and BERLINER, V. (1937): The reproductive capacity of rams. Mo. Agr. Exp. Sta. Res. Bul. No. 265, p. 143.
OETTLE, A. G. and HARRISON, R. G. (1952): The histological changes produced in the rat testis by temporary and permanent occlusion of the testicular artery. J. Path. Bact., 64: 273–297.
ORTAVANT, R. (1959): Spermatogenesis and morphology of the spermatozoa. In: Reproduction in Domestic Animals, Vol. 2., H. H. Cole and P. T. Cupps (ed.), Academic Press, New York, 1–50.
PHILLIPS, R. W. and MCKENZIE, F. F. (1934): The thermo-regulatory function and mechanism of the scrotum. Mo. Agr. Exp. Sta. Res. Bul. No. 217, p. 73.
SETCHELL, B. P., VOGLMAYR, J. K. and HINKS, N. T. (1971): The effect of local heating on the blood flow and composition of rete testes fluid in the conscious ram. J. Reprod. Fert., 24: 81–89.
SETCHELL, B. P. and WAITES, G. M. H. (1964): Blood flow and the uptake of glucose and oxygen in the testis and epididymis of the ram. J. Physiol. (Lond.), 171: 411–425.
SETCHELL, B. P., WAITES, G. M. H. and THORBURN, G. D. (1966): Blood flow in the conscious ram measured with Krypton-85. Effects of heat catcholamines and acetylcholine. Circ. Res., 18: 755–765.
VANDER, A. T., SHERMAN, J. H. and LUCIANO, D. S. (1970): Circulation, Chapter 10. Section B. The Vascular System. In: Physiology — the Mechanisms of Body Function. McGraw-Hill, New York, p. 263.
WAITES, G. M. H., ARCHER, V. and LANGFORD, G. A. (1975): Regional sensitivity of the testicular artery to noradrenaline in ram, rabbit, rat and boar. J. Reprod. Fert., 45: 159–163.
WAITES, G. M. H. and SETCHELL, B. P. (1964): Effects of local heating on blood flow and metabolism in the testis of the conscious ram. J. Repro. Fert., 8: 339–349.
WAX, S. H. and PETERSON, N. (1967): Measurement of testicular blood flow by intratesticular injection of133Xenon. Surg. Forum., 18: 544–547.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Published with approval of the Director of Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station as Journal Article 75-5-150.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Dutt, R.H., Sand, R.S. & Singh, B. Changes in testis blood flow, the spermatic artery and prostaglandin F 2α content in testis tissue of heat-stressed rams. Int J Biometeorol 21, 75–84 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01552968
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01552968