Endocrine Abstracts

Varicocele is a state of varicosity and tortuosity of the pampiniform plexus around the testis caused by retrograde blood flow. The association between varicocele and male subfertility has been questioned, thus the usefulness of treating varicocele in order to improve fertility is still a matter of debate. Inhibin B levels reflect the functional state of the seminiferous epithelium, and have been found to be a sensitive index of spermatogenesis. Serum inhibin B levels have bee...

Acylated ghrelin (AG) participates in the modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis functions, with a predominantly inhibitory effect upon the reproductive system in animals. Animal studies have shown that ghrelin suppresses LH secretion in vivo, decreases LH responsiveness to GnRH in vitro and partially delays the timing of puberty in males. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of AG infusion on spontaneous and stimulated gonadotropin secret...