The male reproductive organs in the chronic phase of experimental Chagas' disease.

Abstract

A previous study showed amastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi in the sex organs of male mice 15 days after inoculation. The purpose of the present work was to investigate the sequelae occurring in the male reproductive system during a later phase of Chagas' disease. Depleted germinal epithelium and release of immature germ cells into the tubular lumen were observed in the testis of chronic chagasic mice. The relative weights of the epididymis, vas deferens and seminal vesicle were significantly increased. Histological examination revealed a sharp thinning of the ductal and acinar walls. The results are discussed in terms of a neuromotor disturbance leading to sperm retention.