INNOVATIONS - Using Castration Surgery in Male Rats to Demonstrate the Physiological Effects of Testosterone on Seminal Vesicle Anatomy in an Undergraduate Laboratory Setting

Oct 15, 2026

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This article presents a two-part undergraduate laboratory using male rats as a model organism to teach hypothesis testing, experimental design, controls, surgical techniques, and histology. Students perform castration and sham-control surgeries, then assess how reduced testosterone affects seminal vesicle weight and tissue histology. After surgery and data collection, students learn empirical data handling, analysis, and interpretation while connecting physiology concepts to research practices.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Innovations

Laboratory objectives and approach

Endocrine physiology and testosterone background

Rat model and rationale for castration

INNOVATIONS Using Castration Surgery in Male Rats to Demonstrate the Physiological Effects of Testosterone on Seminal Vesicle Anatomy in an Undergraduate Laboratory Setting Rachelle M. Belanger*, Stephanie B. Conant and Gregory M. Grabowski Biology Department, University of Detroit Mercy, 4001 W. McNichols Rd. W., Detroit, MI 48221 *Corresponding Author: [belangra@udmercy.edu](belangra@udmercy.edu) Abstract: Rats can be used as a model organism to teach physiological concepts in a laboratory setting. This article describes a two-part laboratory that introduces students to hypothesis testing, experimental design, the appropriate use of controls and surgical techniques. Students perform both a castration and sham-control surgery on male rats and test the effects of reduced testosterone due to castration on the weight and histology of seminal vesicles. After performing the surgeries and collecting the data, students learn histological techniques, as well as empirical data collection, analysis and interpretation. Demonstrating the effects of testosterone through castration surgery bridges concepts learned in a traditional physiology class setting with data gleaned from research in a laboratory. Overall, the male castration surgery provides students with hands-on skills and an understanding of the work done by scientific researchers and health care professionals. Key words: castration, physiology, seminal vesicles, testosterone, rat INTRODUCTION During their undergraduate studies in Biology, it is invaluable for students to gain hands-on experience in laboratory situations that they will carry with them into their postgraduate careers. Human physiology laboratory activities should give students hands-on demonstrations of different body systems at work and emphasize the interplay and interdependence of the body’s organ systems. When combined with in-class discussions, engaging a student in research and laboratory activities aids in development of scientific processing skills, promotes conceptual understanding, and increases motivation and retention, especially in STEM-focused students (Lewis et al., 2003; Burrowes & Nazario, 2008) . Primary reform efforts in undergraduate STEM education have focused on a conceptual shift to learner-centered and applied, hands-on learning (Fairweather, 2008; Mestre, 2008) . In this vein it is important to present students with the opportunity not only to follow the “scientific method” but also to involve them in a research experience that will enhance understanding and long-term retention of scientific concepts. We therefore developed a twopart lab in an effort to expose students to the practical experiences of performing surgery using an animal model, to learn histological techniques and to collect empirical data. We use this lab exercise in Biology 4640: Physiology Laboratory, an upper-level lab course intended for junior and senior Biology, Biochemistry and Chemistry majors at the University of Detroit Mercy. In this course, students participate in a laboratory research project designed to involve students in a hypothesis-driven activity that will generate data regarding the effects of testosterone exposure on male accessory sex organ anatomy. In addition to hearing a pre-laboratory lecture on reproductive anatomy and physiology, students generate hypotheses, learn surgical techniques, are introduced to the use of appropriate scientific controls, practice data interpretation, and evaluate data statistically. Students use male rats (Rattus norvegigicus) as a model organism and perform both a castration and sham-control surgery. This lab teaches that thephysiologic workings and products of the endocrine system influence almost every organ system of the body. Specifically, students learn that the hormone testosterone has a substantial impact on the anatomy and physiology of the seminal vesicles. It has long been understood that testosterone production by Leydig (interstitial) cell

FAQs

What is the purpose of the two-part undergraduate lab described in the document?

The lab is designed to introduce students to hypothesis testing, experimental design, controls, and surgical techniques while examining the physiological effects of testosterone on seminal vesicles. Students collect and analyze data and perform histology.

How do students test the role of testosterone in the seminal vesicles?

Students perform castration surgery and sham-control surgery on male rats, then measure seminal vesicle weight and evaluate histological changes. The comparison reflects the effects of reduced testosterone after castration.

Why are rats used as a model organism in this lab exercise?

Rats provide a manipulable model of the male reproductive system where testosterone loss can be induced. The seminal vesicles are described as suitable for histological preparation and they respond rapidly to castration.

Oct 15, 2026

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