Mp66-09 an Updated Index of Baseline Serum Testosterone and Sperm Concentration for the Use of Sprague-Dawley Rats in Andrology Research

You have accessJournal of UrologySexual Function/Dysfunction: Basic Research & Pathophysiology (MP66)1 May 2024MP66-09 AN UPDATED INDEX OF BASELINE SERUM TESTOSTERONE AND SPERM CONCENTRATION FOR THE USE OF SPRAGUE-DAWLEY RATS IN ANDROLOGY RESEARCH Nelson Mills, Daniela Orozco Rendon, Gal Saffati, Manuel Villarreal, Thomas Garcia, Weitao Song, and Mohit Khera Nelson MillsNelson Mills , Daniela Orozco RendonDaniela Orozco Rendon , Gal SaffatiGal Saffati , Manuel VillarrealManuel Villarreal , Thomas GarciaThomas Garcia , Weitao SongWeitao Song , and Mohit KheraMohit Khera View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0001009468.01097.19.09AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats serve as strong models for various andrological conditions. For this reason, it is crucial that researchers understand baseline sperm parameters and testosterone (T) levels in SD rats. Understanding the age effect on these parameters is especially important for research on age-induced conditions like late-onset hypogonadism. However, available sources regarding these parameters are outdated and use methods inaccessible to many researchers. This study seeks to guide andrology researchers using rat models. METHODS: 17 SD rats aged 6 to 19 months were included in this study, all of whom served as controls in other studies. No treatment was administered other than brief isoflurane anesthetic administered 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Serum T was measured via ELISA. Sperm was collected from epididymis immediately after euthanization, and computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) was performed. Linear regression was performed to determine the relationship between age and measured parameters using RStudio. RESULTS: Testosterone levels correlated negatively with age according to the equation: [Equation] (R2=0.75, p<[Equation]. These levels agree with the literature, suggesting that ELISA serves as an accessible, accurate measure of SD T levels. Total (R2=0.092, p=0.24), motile (R2=0.54, p=0.0049), and static (R2=0.013, p=0.66) sperm count all correlated negatively with age, though to a much lesser degree. It has been shown that prolonged exposure to isoflurane negatively affects SD rat testosterone and sperm production; however, this study's isoflurane use did not impact testosterone. CONCLUSIONS: SD rat age demonstrates a strong, negative linear correlation with serum T, and a very weak, negative linear correlation with sperm count. When used briefly during non-invasive procedures, isoflurane does not negatively impact testosterone. This study serves as a guide for baseline SD parameters. More research with a larger sample size is warranted to strengthen conclusions. Download PPT Source of Funding: None © 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 211Issue 5SMay 2024Page: e1088 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.Metrics Author Information Nelson Mills More articles by this author Daniela Orozco Rendon More articles by this author Gal Saffati More articles by this author Manuel Villarreal More articles by this author Thomas Garcia More articles by this author Weitao Song More articles by this author Mohit Khera More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...