Introduction: The lipid compositions of spermatozoa play an important role in its physiological functions. In addition, the available evidence suggests that dietary supplementation with appropriate lipids affects spermatogenesis, sperm quality and sperm motility. The present work was performed since there are only little data on the correlation of serum lipids with endocrine and exocrine integrities of the testis.

Materials & methods: The present study was carried out on 60 normal healthy male rats. Then animal euthanasia blood samples were collected by cardiac ponction. The serum concentrations of total cholesterol and triglyceride were measured by method Enzymatic, lipoproteins were determined by method Precipitation and testosterone was measured by Radio Immuno Assay method. Anatomical indices include weight, scrotal circumference; length and width of the testis were recorded. For histomorphometric study (exocrine parameters of the testis); the 5 µ sections were made and stained with Hematoxyline-Eosin. Data were statistically analyzed by the Pearson correlation tests.

Findings: Results showed that the serum HDL-c values were significantly correlated with the diameter of the leydig cells (r=0.38; p<0.05), the diameter of the seminiferous tubules (r=0.69; p<0.01), testicular weight (r=0.85; p<0.001), scrotal circumference (r=0.38; p<0.05) and as well as serum levels of testosterone (r=0.85; p<0.001). Serum triglycerides value was also inversely correlated with the diameter of the leydig cells (r= -0.82; p<0.001) and germinal epithelium height (r= -0.79; p<0.001). In addition, the serum levels of VLDL-c was inversely correlated with the diameter of the leydig cells (r= -0.73; p<0.01) and germinal epithelium height (r= -0.81; p<0.001). Furthermore, the serum triglycerides levels had significant correlation with the testis weight (r=0.81; p<0.001). 

Discussion & Conclusions: Upon to these results, it is concluded that anatomical and histomorphometrical indices of the testis are correlated with serum levels of HDL-c and also the triglycerides and VLDL-c values are inversely correlated with endocrine and exocrine integrities of the testis in the rat.