Morphologic changes due to human chorionic gonadotropin in the rat testis: Role of vascular endothelial growth factor

Introduction: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has an important role in the regulation of reproduc- tive system and a high capacity to stimulate angio- genesis by secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It could be also used for medical treatment of cryptorchidism, as it stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone, but its use has been discussed. Aim of the study was to evaluate the tes- ticular morphological changes due to cyclic admini- stration of hCG possibly related to VEGF effect. Methods: 80 pre-puberal male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided in two groups hCG (50 U/I/ Kg) (n = 55/S) and placebo (n = 25/C) treated. The animals were sacrificed respectively after one (S1 n = 10; C1 n = 5), two (S2 n = 10; C2 n = 5) and three weeks of hCG or placebo treatment (S3 n = 35; C3 n = 15); a blood serum was obtained for evaluation of plasmatic testosterone. The testis, prostates, epidi- dymides and seminal vesicles were drawn and weight- ed. Specimens were fixed in formalin and coloured by hematoxylin-eosin. Morphometric analysis of Leydig cell number, nuclear area and perimeter was carried out. Immunoistochemistry for VEGF has been per- formed with the avidin-biotin peroxidase technique. Statistical differences between groups, each of differ- ent age, were calculating using Student’s T-test. Re- sults: After the first week of hCG treatment it has been observed an increased testicular weight and volume (+/−6%) in experimental respect to control group. This result was not observed after the second and third week of treatment. Significant variations were also observed in the mean prostate weight, whereas mean seminal vesicles weight was significant in the S2 and S3 groups respect to control. In the hCG treated rats it has been observed a poor differ- entiation of the seminiferous epithelium, with high Leydig cell evidence and increased intertubular eosi- nophilic material. An interstitial edema was demon- strated without inflammatory cell changes. Morpho- metric analysis confirmed an increased number of Leydig cells that were always strongly immunostained for VEGF. Low-medium reactivity was present in spermatogonial, peritubular, endothelial and Sertoli cells. Testosterone plasmatic values showed a statisti- cally significant and progressive increase. Conclu- sions: hCG treatment clutters the germinative line and modifies VEGF testicular expression, suggesting its role in male reproductive system. The increased number of Leydig cells and the immunostaining for VEGF suggests an intense interstitial and metabolic arrangement. The morphologic modifications induced by hCG treatment and its influence on testis function raise the question about its use in the medical treat- ment of cryptorchidism.