Division of the genitofemoral nerve in normal scrotal testicular rats

Abstract

The role of the genitofemoral nerve (GFN) on testicular descent has been clearly shown. It has also been suggested that in unilateral cryptorchid rats, after division of the ipsilateral GFN fertility rates are higher, i.e., transection of the GFN prevents contralateral testicular damage, but the mechanism is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dividing the GFN on the normal scrotal testes. Thirty male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: group A, transection of right GFN; group B, bilateral transection of the GFN; and group C, sham operations, all at the age of 30 days. The animals were killed at 90 days of age and the testes were removed. Each excised testis was weighed and fixed for histological studies. Mean seminiferous tubular diameter was measured and germinal epithelium maturity was determined using the modified Johnsen testicular-biopsy score. In all groups, all three parameters were similar, suggesting that division of the GFN had no effect on normal testes.