Effects of Angiogenesis Inhibition by Spironolactone on Isolated Vas Deferens Contractility in an Experimental Varicocele Model in Rats

Abstract

To investigate the effect of spironolactone, as an angiogenesis inhibitor, on the isometric contractile responses in isolated vas deferens strips from left varicocele-induced rats. Twenty-four adult (12-14 months) male Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 6 in each): (1) Control group, (2) sham-operated group, (3) experimental left varicocele group, and (4) Spironolactone (20 mg/kg/d)-treated experimental left varicocele group. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical (CD31 staining) findings in the rat testis and functional findings in the rat isolated vas deferens were investigated. Angiogenesis increased in the varicocele group and the spironolactone inhibited angiogenesis in the spironolactone-treated group. Spironolactone seemed to change phenylephrine and serotonin responses in the left vas deferens. It is possible that by inhibiting angiogenesis, spironolactone treatment negatively impairs testicular morphology and functional (vas deferens) pathways. Varicocele formation seems to elicit an increase to 5-HT sensitivity in rat vas deferens, and this process is prevented by spironolactone pretreatment.