An effective method for establishing animal models of azoospermia and oligospermia

The current study aims to develop a validated animal model to predict successful spermatogenesis retrieval in azoospermia and oligospermia men. Thirty-two mice were equally divided into 4 groups: control, scrotal hyperthermia (15 times), scrotal hyperthermia group (10 times), scrotal hyperthermia group (5 times). In the scrotal hyperthermia groups, their scrotum exposed to water at a temperature of 43°C for 20 min every other day. Then, the mice were euthanised and sperm samples were collected for sperm parameters analysis, and blood samples were obtained for hormonal assay. The testis samples were taken for histopathology experiments, immunofluorescence staining and Western blot in order to examine the protein expression together with RNA extraction in order to examine the gene expression of germ cell markers. The results of sperm analysis and histopathology of testicular tissue as well as the results of gene expression and Western blot showed that hyperthermia can significantly impair spermatogenesis. In conclusion, we have developed a novel model of azoospermia and oligospermia in mouse, which uses a high temperature to suppress spermatogenesis process through demolition of germ cells subsequent cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The model will contribute to understanding azoospermia in human, oligospermia pathophysiology and the development of treatment.