Effect of dietary cholesterol on spermatogenesis.

Cholesterol fed to male rats and rabbits for 120 days impaired testicular function. The production of secondary spermatocytes in rats and rabbits was reduced by 26.1% and 46.9%, respectively. There was significant reduction in spermatid cell population, seminiferous tubules, and Leydig's cell nuclear dimensions. In rats aortic endothelium showed some alterations while in rabbits full-blown atherosclerotic plaque containing a necrotic core and a proliferative fibrous cap was found. Total cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids of the testes were increased whereas, testicular glycogen was significantly reduced. Three- and sevenfold increases were noticed in the serum cholesterol levels of rats and rabbits. The LDL cholesterol values were increased while the HDL cholesterol/Total cholesterol ratio was significantly decreased (P less than 0.001). It is concluded that hypercholesterolemia affects the testicular function and aortic endothelium.