Intratesticular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) application to improve testicular development, hemodynamic and testosterone in male lambs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of periodic intratesticular PRP administration on testicular development in male lambs by examining the changes in testosterone levels, testicular morphometry, and supratesticular artery hemodynamic. The control group lambs (n=16) received an intratesticular injection of saline solution, while the experimental group lambs (n=16) were administered autologous PRP. Injections were administered monthly for a period of 10 months. Following the initial PRP injection in June, testosterone levels, testicular morphometric measurements, and spermatic cord Doppler ultrasonography measurements were assessed on a monthly basis for a period of 10 months (July to April). Platelet counts in whole blood and PRP, and growth factor levels in PRP were also analysed. Testicular blood flow in October, scrotal thickness in December, and testicular length in April were significantly higher in the PRP group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the resistance index value among Doppler ultrasonography parameters was observed to be lower in the PRP group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Significant inter-month differences were observed in platelet counts in whole blood (p<0.001) and PRP (p<0.001), as well as in FGF1 levels in PRP (p<0.05). It is hypothesized that the administration of PRP to lambs at an early age may exert a slight beneficial influence on testicular development, attributable to the presence of certain growth factors within the PRP.