Effects of cyproterone acetate treatment interruption on testicular histology: an experimental rat study relevant to transgender females with incomplete sperm cryopreservation

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the reversibility of the deterioration of testicles as Cyproterone acetate (CPA) treatment ceased in an experimental rat model, and possible contribution of two angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors on the process.Materials and Methods: In the first step, the effects of CPA treatment (14 days) on testicular histology on rats were investigated. In the second step, following the treatment period of 14 days with CPA, the effects of captopril or lisinopril application (for three days or seven days or 14 days) were investigated. Sixty-six rats in eleven groups were investigated. The testicles of the rats were planned to be examined on the following day of the last treatment schedule. Right testicular weight values were recorded. Testicles were histologically evaluated based on light microscopical findings, and also a scoring system was used.Results: CPA treatment caused weight loss of the testicles, and caused histological scoring value changes. The second step findings revealed that the weight values of the testicles returned to control values in the third day and thereafter. Also, histological scoring values were indifferent compared to control, statistically. Histopathological findings, noted, besides scoring, showed that edema, present in all rats in the seventh day in physiological serum treatment group, was not the case for captopril groups. Also, in captopril groups, no rat with germ cell depletion was observed.Conclusion: We conclude that the changes in testicular histology were over in the third day in our rat population, and inflammatory reactions or a delay in recovery may be prevented by use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, especially a thiol-group containing agent, captopril.