Application of a Mouse Ex Vivo Spermatogenesis Model to Elucidate the Mechanism of Radio-Therapy-Related Male Infertility

Abstract

Fertility preservation in radiotherapy is of significance for the quality of life among post-treatment cancer survi-vors. In this study, using a mouse testicular tissue culture and a common X-ray irradiator, we analyzed the recovery process of spermatogenesis in spatially fractionated radiation fields, suggesting that spermatogonial stem cell migration may be involved in the recovery process. These tissue culture approaches are expected to provide a novel insight into the mechanisms of radiotherapy-related male infertility.