Experimental cryptorchidism protects against long-term 2,5-hexanedione-induced testicular germ cell loss in the rat

Male infertility is a common side effect of aggressive cancer chemotherapy. One possible approach to decreasing gonadal injury in this setting is the production of artificial cryptorchidism (elevating the testes into the inguinal canal) to produce reversible germ cell loss and cytoprotective hemodynamic changes in the testes. This approach to preserving male germ cell production was explored in a rat model combining experimental cryptorchidism and 2,5-hexanedione intoxication. Rats were protected from irreversible germ cell loss produced by 2,5-hexanedione only when the testes were cryptorchid during the time of intoxication. Sham-operated rats and rats made cryptorchid following intoxication were not protected from 2,5-hexanedione-induced testicular germ cell loss. Decreased delivery of the toxic agent to the cryptorchid testis is the likely explanation of the protective effect.