Effects of mesencephalic lesion on the histomorphology of testis and spermatogenesis.

Mesencephalic reticular formation lesions were produced bilaterally by using two epoxy-coated stainless steel electrodes. Electrolytic lesions resulted in atrophy of testes, and decreased spermatogenesis. Seminiferous tubules of lesioned rats were characterised by a general decrease in the number of cells from different generation of germinal epithelium, empty spaces, degeneration of spermatogonia, degeneration of spermatocytes I and of young spermatids. There were significant reductions in weights of the testes (P less than 0.01). Similarly the areas of cross-sections of seminiferous tubules were significantly reduced (P less than 0.05). Another note-worthy feature was a gross reduction in the complete cross section count of interstitial cells. The study strongly suggests that the mesencephalic reticular formation influences the testes and spermatogenesis.