Objective: To evaluate the effects of improved experimental left varicocele (ELV) on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and inhibin B (InhB).
Methods: ELV models were established by the improved method in 30 SD rats, and another 30 were included in a sham operation group as controls. Three months after the operation, the concentrations of the FSH and InhB were assayed by ELISA.
Results: The concentration of FSH in the serum was significantly higher in the experimental group ([37.56 +/- 9.72] ng/ml) than in the control ([26.69 +/- 5.33] ng/ml) (P < 0.05), while that of InhB significantly lower in the former ([349.93 +/- 99.48] pg/ml) than in the latter ([768. 83 +/- 146.96] pg/ml) (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Improved ELV can increase FSH and reduce InhB in rats, which may be associated with subfertility.