Testicular Toxicology in Animal Models
Summary
Testicular toxicology in animal models encompasses the investigation of chemical and environmental agents that adversely affect male reproductive health. Research employs a diverse array of species, ranging from rodents and lagomorphs to non-human primates, to elucidate mechanisms of germ cell damage, alterations in steroidogenesis and disruption of seminiferous architecture. Core endpoints include histopathological evaluation of Leydig and Sertoli cell integrity, quantification of spermatogenic stages, sperm count and motility assays, and measurement of circulating and intratesticular hormone levels. Advanced molecular techniques—such as transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics—have enhanced sensitivity for detecting subclinical lesions and identifying early biomarkers of testicular injury. This body of work underpins regulatory risk assessments, informs safety margins for human exposure and guides the development of therapeutic interventions. Adherence to the principles of refinement, reduction and replacement (3Rs) remains central, with ongoing efforts to refine in vitro models and limit animal use without compromising scientific rigour.
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Testicular Toxicology in Animal Models publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in testicular toxicology in animal models across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Spermatogenesis: The sequential development of spermatozoa from spermatogonial stem cells within the seminiferous tubules.
Seminiferous tubules: Coiled tubular structures in the testis where germ cells proliferate, differentiate and mature.
Leydig cells: Interstitial cells responsible for the biosynthesis and secretion of testosterone under luteinising hormone stimulation.
Sertoli cells: Somatic cells that provide structural and nutritional support for germ cells and maintain the blood–testis barrier.
Steroidogenesis: The biochemical pathway by which cholesterol is converted into steroid hormones, including testosterone, primarily within Leydig cells.
Endocrine disruptors: Exogenous compounds that interfere with hormonal signalling pathways, potentially altering testicular development and function.
References
- Multi-omics analysis reveals changes in tryptophan and cholesterol metabolism before and after sexual maturation in captive macaques. BMC Genomics (2023).
- Exploration of tissue fixation methods suitable for digital pathological studies of the testis. European Journal of Medical Research (2024).
- Male reproductive toxicology: comparison of the human to animal models.. Environmental Health Perspectives (1988).
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