Histological evaluation of the effects of rapamycin and 3-methyladenine on cisplatin-induced epididymal injury in rats

Abstract

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of autophagy inhibitor and activator on Cisplatin (Cis)-induced tissue damage. 
 Materials and Methods: A total of 24 male Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups including 6 rats per group in this study. Groups are as follows; Control, Cisplatin (Cis) (8 mg/kg), Rapamycin (Rapa) (2 mg/kg), 3-methyladenine (3-MA) (15 mg/kg). Rapa and 3-MA were given intraperitoneally for 15 days. Cis was administered as a single dose on the 7th day of the experimental period. At the end of the experimental procedure, epididymis tissues were extracted. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Heat shock protein-70 (HSP70) immunohistochemistry were applied to the sections taken after histological techniques. 
 Results: Dispersion in the tubule basement membrane and vacuolization in the tubule was observed in the Cis group. It was also observed that some epithelial cells were more eosinophilic in the Cis group. Tissue sections of Rapa and 3-MA had a more regular appearance in terms of epithelization and tubule basement membrane. HSP70 immunoreactivity was observed in the intertubuler connective tissue of all groups. 
 Conclusion: The epididymis was affected by agents such as Cis in terms of the protection of semen quality and potency of spermatozoa. Rapa may be more effective than 3-MA in the epididymis against Cis toxicity.