Effect of sympathetic denervation of rat internal genitalia on daily sperm output.

Using the technique of vasocystostomy, daily sperm output was determined in rats undergoing surgical removal of the sympathetic nerves to the internal genitalia. Between ten and fourteen days after denervation, the daily sperm output significantly (p less than 0.001) decreased below presurgical rates and those of sham-operated control animals (p less than 0.01). This change occurred without changes in plasma testosterone concentration or testicular histology. These data suggest neural control of sperm transport in the rat.