Effect of the Vasectomy on the Fine Structure of the Sperm-Acrosome in Rats

Ryoo, Hee Soo; Kim, Kee Soo

Abstract

Vasectomy has been increased as a popular method of birth control because it is simpler than other methods for men. But the vasectomy results in several problems such as relation to effect changes on the structure and function of the reproductive organ. The fate of non-ejaculated spermatozoa is postulated by some authors that those are disappeared by a progress of dissolution and reabsorption in the epididymis, and we have attempted to prove the true state of sperm-acrosome on the fine structure in vasectomized rats. The results were as follows: 1. Apical segments of the acrosome were swollen similar to the shape of club in many spermatozoa. 2. Discontinuities of the outer and inner acrosomal membranes were occasionally noted and there were complete losses of acrosomes in the certain places. 3. There was no evidence of significant changes in the nuclear structure, nor dilatation of the subacrosomal space. 4. Vasectomy might effect destructive changes in the acrosomes of the non-ejaculated spermatozoa in situ.