Effect of extirpation of submandibular gland on weight of testis and epididymis, plasma testosterone and acrosin activity in rat

Objective: To investigate the changes in weight of testis and epididymis,plasma testosterone and acrosin activety after extirpation of submandibular gland in rats. Design: Animal experimental study. Results: (1)The weight of testis and epididymis organic coefficient and after operation decreased notably ( P0.05,P 0.01).The organic coefficient of testis also decreased, but that of epididymis did not changed apparently ( P 0.05).(2)On day 30 after the operation, there was slight decrease in plasma testosterone. On day 48, the level of testosterone was 2.41 nmol/L, reduced significantly than that of the control group (4.49 nmol/L) ( P 0.01). (3)Acrosin activities of sperms were 7.19 mU/ml and 6.00 mU/ml respectively on day 30 and 48 after operation, which were decreased significantly by 55.1% and 61.1%,as compared with control group ( P 0.01). Conclusion: Submandibular gland, which contains large amount of growth factors, such as EGF, may regulate the secretion of testosterone and affect the acrosin activity and weight of testis and epididymis.