Contralateral Testicular Damage Research Articles

Pretreatment with remote ischemic conditioning attenuates testicular damage after testicular ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats.

Testicular torsion is a urological emergency. However, surgical detorsion of the torsed spermatic cord can cause testicular reperfusion injury. Although remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) has been convincingly shown to protect organs against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, little is known regarding the effect of RIPC on testicular torsion/detorsion-induced reperfusion injury. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of RIPC on testes after testicular I/R injury in a rat model in vivo. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly classified into 4 groups: sham-operated (sham), testicular I/R (TI/R), or remote liver (RIPC liver) and limb (RIPC limb) ischemic preconditioning groups. Testis I/R was induced by 3 h of right spermatic cord torsion (720° clockwise), and reperfusion was allowed for 3 hours. In the RIPC group, four cycles of 5 min of ischemia and 5 min of reperfusion were completed 30 min prior to testicular torsion. The ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 was administered intravenously at the beginning of reperfusion (1 mg/kg). The testes were taken for the oxidative stress evaluations, histology, apoptosis, immunohistochemical and western blotting analysis. Remote liver and limb ischemic preconditioning attenuated ipsilateral and contralateral testicular damage after testicular I/R injury. For example. RIPC reduced testicular swelling and oxidative stress, lessened structural damage, and inhibited the testicular inflammatory response and apoptosis. Furthermore, RIPC treatment enhanced testicular ERK1/2 phosphorylation postI/R. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activity using U0126 eliminated the protection offered by RIPC. Our data demonstrate for the first time that RIPC protects testes against testicular I/R injury via activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Incidence of Low-Grade Testicular Injury in Orchidectomy Specimens Post-testicular Torsion.

Following detorsion and orchidopexy for testicular torsion, predominantly animal studies have reported a risk of autoimmune and reperfusion injury to the contralateral testis. As a result, when testicular viability is compromised, orchidectomy is readily performed. This practice increases the likelihood of testes with potentially reversible injury being excised. We aim to determine the incidence of such occurrences and review the available evidence for and against early orchidectomy when testicular viability is doubtful. Data for a 15-year period from two pediatric institutions on testicular torsion in children younger than 16 years were reviewed. Using a previously published grading system, the orchidectomy specimens in this cohort with early low-grade injury were analyzed. Low-grade injury suggests the possibility of restitutio ad integrum implying restoration of exocrine and endocrine function of the affected testes. Between both institutions, 222 scrotal explorations were performed for testicular torsion; 20 neonatal and 202 outside the neonatal period (age range [median]: 1-28 days [3 days] and 3 months-16 years [13 years], respectively). Of these scrotal explorations, 17 neonatal and 66 nonneonatal orchidectomies were required (85 vs. 33%, respectively; p < 0.0001). From these orchidectomy specimens, 5 (6%) were found to have low-grade injury. The ages of these five children ranged from 9 to 16 years (median 15, mean 13.6 years). Their symptom duration ranged from 8 to 37 hours (median 14, mean 18 hours) and two of these children had a preoperative ultrasound documenting no flow to the testis. The finding of histopathological features that may represent salvageability of a torted testis occurs relatively rarely. Because of this possibility, appropriate intraoperative steps to check for reperfusion must be undertaken prior to orchidectomy. More evidence for the use of antioxidants and tunica albuginea decompression to improve testes salvage rates is required. The potential for exocrine and endocrine function if partial testicular atrophy occurs and the evidence for contralateral autoimmune testicular damage in pre- and postpubertal males require further investigation.

The Effect of Sildenafil and Udenafil on Testicular Damage Following Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats

Ischemia-reperfusion injury can cause testicular damage and phosphodiesterase inhibitors are reported to regulate antioxidant activity. We investigated the prevention of ipsilateral and contralateral testicular damage using 2phosphodiesterase inhibitors after testicular detorsion in rats. A total of 28 adult male rats were randomly divided into4 groups of 7 each, including group 1-sham operation, group 2-testicular torsion and detorsion, group 3- testicular torsion and detorsion with sildenafil administration before detorsion and group 4- testicular torsion and detorsion with udenafil administration before detorsion. Tissue levels of malondialdehyde, total sulfhydryl and nitrite were evaluated, and histopathological changes in the groups were examined. Compared to group 1 significantly increased tissue malondialdehyde (p= 0.001), significantly decreased total sulfhydryl (p = 0.038) and insignificantly increased nitrite were found in group 2. Compared to group 2 malondialdehyde decreased significantly and total sulfhydryl increased significantly in groups 3 and 4. The decrease in nitrite was insignificant in the latter 2 groups. Histopathology revealed increased hemorrhage, congestion and edema in group 2 rats. The testicular injury score was lower in groups 3 and 4. In group 2 grades II to IV injury was detected while most specimens in treated groups showed grade II injury. This study indicates that intraperitoneal administration of sildenafil and udenafil efficiently suppresses radical production while decreasing histological changes after testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Protective effect of sivelestat, a neutrophil elastase inhibitor, on ipsilateral and contralateral testes after unilateral testicular ischaemia–reperfusion injury in rats

To investigate the effect of a neutrophil elastase inhibitor, sivelestat sodium hydrate, on testicular ischaemia-reperfusion (IR)-injury. Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: sham-operated control rats; IR rats (group IR); and IR rats that received intra-abdominal administration of 15 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg sivelestat (group IR15 and group IR60, respectively). Right testicular vessels were clamped for 90 min in groups IR, IR15 and IR60. Sivelestat had been administered 45 min after the induction of the ischaemia in groups IR15 and IR60. In subpopulations of IR, IR15 and IR60 rats, reperfusion was performed after ischaemia for 2 h (groups IR-A, IR15-A and IR60-A, respectively) or 48 h (groups IR-B, IR15-B and IR60-B, respectively). At the end of the reperfusion period, blood samples were aspirated from both spermatic veins of each rat and testosterone was evaluated. Then both testes from all rats were collected and tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and heat-shock protein-70(HSP-70) were evaluated. Testicular tissue samples were also processed for histological evaluation and TUNEL staining. MDA, MPO and HSP-70 levels in the ischemic testis were significantly higher in the IR group compared with the control group. MDA and HSP-70 in the contralateral testis were significantly higher in the IR group compared with the control group. Bilateral testosterone levels were lower in all rat groups in comparison with the control group. Bilateral testicular samples in group IR showed extensive histopathologic degenerative alterations and increased percentage of apoptotic cells. Sivelestat treatment lowered the MDA concentration and the percentage of apoptotic cells bilaterally and ameliorated the testicular histological pattern bilaterally. Unilateral testicular ischaemia causes significant contralateral testicular damage. Sivelestat may be a novel adjunct tool for reducing oxidative stress and partially preventing bilateral testicular damage.

Preventive Effects of Cyclosporine A Combined With Prednisolone and Melatonin on Contralateral Testicular Damage After Ipsilateral Torsion-Detorsion in Pubertal and Adult Rats

We compared the preventive effects of cyclosporine A combined with prednisolone and melatonin (Sigma-Aldrich) on damage to the contralateral testis after ipsilateral testicular torsion-detorsion between pubertal and adult rats. We divided pubertal and adult Sprague-Dawley rats into groups 1-sham operation, 2-detorsion, 3-detorsion plus cyclosporine A with prednisolone and 4-detorsion plus melatonin. After 4 hours of ipsilateral testicular torsion we treated the rats with detorsion only or with detorsion plus drug depending on the group. Seminiferous tubule diameter and germ cell layer thickness were greater in pubertal group 3 and adult group 4 than at each age in group 2 (each p <0.05). The number of spermatids per tubule was greater in pubertal groups 3 and 4, and in adult group 4 than at each age in group 2 (each p <0.05). Of pubertal rats those in groups 3 and 4 had fewer TUNEL positive cells than group 2 (p = 0.061 and 0.057, respectively). Of adult rats the number of TUNEL positive cells was greater in group 3 and significantly lower in group 4 vs that in group 2 (p <0.05). The preventive effects of cyclosporine A combined with prednisolone on contralateral testicular damage were noted only in pubertal rats while the preventive effects of melatonin were noted in pubertal and adult rats. Results suggest that damage to the contralateral testis induced by an immunological mechanism may be more significant during puberty than during adulthood.

Experimental study of sonography in predicting contralateral testicular damage after unilateral testicular torsion

Objective To investigate the dependability between ultrasonic appearances of different degree of acute testicular hemodynamic disorder and contralateral testicular damage.Methods Thirty two white rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups.Group A-C were subjected to testicular ischemia and color Doppler sonography were continuoully performed in each case.The testes were reperfused when the ultrasonic appearances were as follows:homogeneous appearance with reducing of blood perfusion(group A),increased echogenicity and heterogeneity with little blood perfusion(group B).inhomogeneous appearance with small pieces of low echogenic areas and no blood perfusion(group C).Group D was the control group.Histologic structure changes of contralateral testes were observed after reperfusion for a month.The contralateral testes in all the cases underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasonography(CEUS)before reperfusion of unilateral testes.Results CEUS time-intensity curve of contralateral testes showed no statistical significance between the four groups(P＞0.05).Focal and mild pathological and ultrastructural changes were observed in contralateral testes in group A-C.But Johnsen score showed no statistical significance between the control group and group A-C(P＞0.05).The total number of appotosis cells per 100 seminiferous tubules in group B(38.75±8.88)were significantly more than the control group(18.63±3.81)as well as group A(20.50±6.12)and group C(18.00±4.47)(P＜0.001),but there were no statistical significances between group A,group C and the control group(P＞0.05).Conclusions Ultrasonic appearances of acute testicular hemodynamic disorder are help for the prediction of contralateral testicular damage.As blood flow in contralateral testes were unaffected after acute testicular hemodynamic disorder,it seems to have no role in contralateral testicular damage. Key words: Ultrasonography; Testis; Ischemia; Apoptosis

METHYLENE BLUE INCREASES CONTRALATERAL TESTICULAR ISCHAEMIA–REPERFUSION INJURY AFTER UNILATERAL TESTICULAR TORSION

1. Testicular ischaemia-reperfusion injury is commonly seen in childhood. Infertility occurs in 25% of patients after unilateral testicular ischaemia. It is has been reported that methylene blue has a positive effect in the reparation of ischaemia-reperfusion injury in different tissues. Therefore, we hypothesized that methylene blue may prevent the hazardous effects of ischaemia-reperfusion injury in testicular tissue after unilateral testicular torsion. 2. Thirty-two prepubertal Wistar-albino rats were divided into four groups. Testicular torsion was created by rotating the right testis 720 degrees in a clockwise direction for 5 h in all groups except for Group C, which was the sham control group. In Group T, bilateral orchiectomy was performed following the torsion period. In Group TD, both testes were removed 5 days after the torsion period. In Group MB, methylene blue (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 40 min before detorsion and once daily over 5 days; then, both testes were harvested. Tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), serum levels of creatine kinase (CK), mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS) and mean seminifer tubule diameter (MSTD) were determined. 3. There was a significant difference in MTBS between Groups T and TD (P < 0.05) in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes. In the contralateral testis, treatment with methylene blue decreased MTBS and MSTD (P < 0.05) and increased MDA levels (P < 0.05). In Group T, mean serum CK concentrations were higher than in any of the other groups (P < 0.05). 4. After 5 h of unilateral testicular torsion and a 5 day reperfusion period, serious tissue damage occurred on both the ipsilateral and contralateral sides. Serum CK concentrations may be an indicator for ischaemia, but not for ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Contrary to our hypothesis, methylene blue increased contralateral testicular damage after unilateral testicular torsion and exacerbated oxidative events.

ROSIGLITAZONE, AN AGONIST OF PEROXISOME PROLIFERATOR‐ACTIVATED RECEPTOR‐GAMMA, PREVENTS CONTRALATERAL TESTICULAR ISCHAEMIA–REPERFUSION INJURY IN PREPUBERTAL RATS

1. Rosiglitazone plays a positive role in the reparation of ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in different tissues. Thus, we examined its biochemical and histological effects on the contralateral testes to determine whether exogenous rosiglitazone affords any protection against testicular damage. 2. Forty-eight prepubertal male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into six groups. Testicular torsion was created by rotating the right testis 720 degrees in a clockwise direction for 5 h in all groups except group I, which was the sham-control group. In group II, bilateral orchiectomy was performed following the torsion period. After detorsion both testes were removed in the fifth hour in group III and on the seventh day in group IV. In group V, one-shot rosiglitazone (4 mg/kg) was administered 40 min before detorsion and both testes were removed following the torsion period. In group VI, rosiglitazone was administered (4 mg/kg) 40 min before detorsion and for 7 days, and then both testes were harvested. The tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured and mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS) and mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD) were examined. Immunoexpression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in testes tissues was investigated by immunohistochemical studies. 3. In the contralateral testis, the MTBS and MSTD values of group VI were significantly higher than those in group IV. Immunohistochemically, mild eNOS immunostaining was present in the germ cells of the contralateral testes in group IV after I/R. In group VI, intense eNOS immunoreactivity was seen in the contralateral testes. 4. Rosiglitazone reduces contralateral testicular damage formed after unilateral testicular torsion and alleviates the oxidative events.

The protective effect of selenium on ipsilateral and contralateral testes in testicular reperfusion injury

This study was designed to investigate the effect of selenium on ipsilateral and contralateral testicular damage after unilateral testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D). Thirty-two male rats were divided into four groups, each containing eight rats. Torsion was created by rotating the right testis 720 degrees in a clockwise direction. Group 1 underwent sham operation to determine basal values for biochemical and histopathological evaluation. Sham operation was performed in group 2, and sodium selenate (0.2 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally. Group 3 served as a T/D group, receiving 4-h torsion and 4-h detorsion. Similarly, in group 4 sodium selenate (0.2 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 20 min before detorsion. Bilateral orchiectomies were performed for measurement of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and histopathologic examination. The results were compared statistically. The highest MDA and the lowest SOD values were determined in both testes in group 3. There were statistically significant differences in MDA levels and SOD activities in group 3 compared with group 4. Specimens from group 3 had a significantly greater histologic injury than other groups. These results suggest that ischemia-reperfusion injury occurred in both testes after unilateral testicular T/D and that selenium administration before detorsion prevents reperfusion injury in testicular torsion.

Unilateral spermatic cord torsion without ipsilateral spermatogenetic material: effects on testicular blood flow and fertility potential.

This experiment was planned to answer the question of how the elimination of ipsilateral spermatogenetic material, which is necessary for contralateral testicular damage caused by an autoimmune response, affects contralateral testicular blood flow and fertility potential in unilateral spermatic cord torsion (USCT). Thirty-four male and 68 female adult albino rats were divided into three groups. Group 1 rats underwent a control operation, group 2 rats underwent subepididymal orchiectomy to eliminate spermatogenetic material, and group 3 rats underwent USCT after subepididymal orchiectomy. Testicular blood flows of the rats were measured by (133)Xe clearance technique. Additionally, to determine fertility potential, each male rat was housed with two female rats. Numbers of impregnated and delivered rats were recorded. Both mean testicular blood flow and fecundity of group 3 were significantly lower than those of groups 1 and 2. When compared with groups 1 and 2, fertility and mean number of the impregnated rats of group 3 were lower but the differences were not significant. These findings suggest that absence of spermatogenetic material in USCT reduces contralateral blood flow and fertility potential. Therefore, contralateral testicular damage originating from blood flow alterations rather than autoimmune mechanism should be considered to explain fertility problems encountered following USCT.

Serum Inhibin B Levels Reflect Contralateral Testicular Damage following Unilateral Testicular Trauma

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate contralateral testicular damage (CTD) following unilateral blunt testicular trauma (BTT) and testicular capsule laceration (TCL) by the serum inhibin B level which is an accepted marker of spermatogenesis. Methods: Fifty peripubertal male Wistar albino rats were divided into 5 groups each containing 10 rats. Group 1 was the control group. Group 2 was the BTT group in which the right testicle was placed on a firm surface and a metal rod weighing 215 g was dropped onto the testicle from a height of 5.5 cm. Group 3 was the TCL group in which right testicular tunica albuginea was lacerated using the needle of 4/0 silk suture. Group 4 had right orchiectomy initially. Group 5 was the sham group. In all groups, 3-ml blood samples were taken and bilateral orchiectomies were performed 6 weeks after initial manipulations. Results: Groups 2 and 3 had decreased inhibin B levels (p < 0.001), although the orchiectomy group had normal levels. Histological analyses showed lower Johnsen scores for both trauma groups in the ipsilateral and contralateral testes (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Serum inhibin B levels decrease following unilateral testicular trauma reflecting CTD.

Protective role of cyclosporine in experimental unilateral blunt testicular trauma: evaluation by 31P MR spectroscopy.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a useful tool to study the anatomy of the testis while 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides a non-invasive alternative method to demonstrate the metabolic status of testes. This study was designed to test whether the protective role of cyclosporine in experimental unilateral blunt testicular trauma (UBTT) could be assessed by 31P MRS. Male Wistar rats (n = 30) aged 20 days were randomised into group I (sham surgery), group II (UBTT) and group III (UBTT and cyclosporine for 7 days). Contralateral testicles of 5 rats from each group was evaluated by 31P MRS at 30 and 60 days of age and phosphomonoesters (PM), phosphodiesters (PD), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were measured. At 60 days of age the PM/ATP ratio was 0.32+/-0.08 in group I whereas it was 0.68+/-0.31 in the group II (p<0.05). Group III rats showed PM, PD and PM/ATP ratios similar to the controls. In conclusion, it is observed that UBTT causes contralateral testicular damage which could be prevented by short-term cyclosporine treatment and 31P MRS is an excellent modality for such an evaluation.

Capsaicin in Albino Rats Prevents Contralateral Testis from the Damaging Effects Posed by Ipsilateral Testis That Underwent Torsion

Objective: To evaluate the effect of capsaicin, a powerful neurotoxin selective to afferent nerves, on contralateral testicular damage in ipsilateral testicular torsion. Methods: Forty male albino rats were randomly allocated into five groups. No operation was performed in group one. After intraperitoneal administration of 0.9% NaCl, rats underwent a sham operation in group 2 and testicular torsion in group 3. In groups 4 and 5 rats underwent sham operation and testicular torsion, respectively after intraoperitoneal capsaicin injection. Contralateral testes were harvested on the fifteenth day of the experiment and mean seminiferous tubular diameters and mean testicular biopsy scores were recorded for each testis. The values were compared through analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Turkey–Kramer multiple comparisons test and p values less than 0.05 were considered to be significant. Results: Mean testicular biopsy scores and mean seminiferous tubular diameters of group 5 was significantly higher than the group 3. There was no difference between the groups 1, 2, 4, and 5 when these two parameters are concerned. Conclusion: Capsaicin effectively prevents contralateral testicular damage encountered following ipsilateral testicular torsion. The inhibition of afferent impulses from the ipsilateral testis under distress prevents contralateral testicular injury, and provides additional data to support the role of an autonomic reflex arc in contralateral testicular injury.

Evaluation of contralateral testicular damage after unilateral testicular torsion by serum inhibin B levels

Background/Purpose: It is still controversial whether unilateral testicular torsion (TT) affects contralateral testis. The authors wanted to evaluate contralateral testicular damage in a rat model by the serum inhibin B levels, which is suggested as a marker of Sertoli cell function and spermatogenesis. Methods: Fifty peripubertal male Wistar Albino rats were divided into 5 groups each containing 10 rats. Surgery was conducted under intraperitoneal 1-shot ketamine (50 mg/kg) anesthesia. Torsion-detorsion, torsion-detorsion-orchiectomies, orchiectomies, and sham operations were performed on the right testicle through a midline incision. Torsions were created by rotating the right testes 720° in a clockwise direction and maintained by fixing the testes to the scrotum with a silk suture. Torsion duration was 4 hours. After each surgical intervention the incisions were closed. In group 1, 3-mL blood samples were taken to determine basal values of inhibin B in serum, and bilateral orchiectomies were performed. In group 2, 4 hours of torsion and detorsion was created and 1 month later, 3-mL blood samples were taken, and bilateral orchiectomies were performed. In group 3, 4 hours of torsion-4 hours of detorsion was created, and right orchiectomies were performed and 1 month later, 3-mL blood samples were taken and contralateral orchiectomies were added. In group 4, unilateral orchiectomies were performed, and 1 month later, 3-mL blood samples were taken, and contralateral orchiectomies were added. After the measurement of the serum inhibin B levels and histopathologic examinations, results are expressed as mean ± SD. Results: Serum inhibin B levels expressed as mean ± SD were 108.233 ± 21.296 pg/mL for group 1, 54.065 ± 16.910 pg/mL for group 2, 74.195 ± 2.779 pg/mL for group 3, 108.335 ± 26.078 pg/mL for group 4, and 107.645 ± 4.705 pg/mL for group 5. Inhibin B levels in group 2 and group 3 were different from group 1, group 4, and group 5 (P <.05). In histologic examination, Johnsen's scores expressed as mean ± SD of right testes were 9.74 ± 0.08 for group 1, 3.64 ± 3.36 for group 2, and 9.86 ± 0.05 for group 5. Histologic findings in group 2 were different from group 1 and group 5 (P <.05). Johnsen's scores expressed as mean ± SD of left testes were 9.78 ± 0.09 for group 1, 9.75 ± 0.14 for group 2, 9.76 ± 0.15 for group 3, 9.79 ± 0.07 for group 4, and 9.82 ± 0.08 for group 5, and there was no difference between groups (P >.05). Conclusions: The serum inhibin B levels decrease after unilateral TT reflecting contralateral testicular damage. Orchiectomy to prevent contralateral testicular damage after TT may not be effective after critical period. Measurement of inhibin B levels to evaluate contralateral testicular damage after unilateral TT is more effective than histopathologic examination. J Pediatr Surg 36:1050-1053. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.

Divison of the genitofemoral nerve in normal scrotal testicular rats.

The role of the genitofemoral nerve (GFN) on testicular descent has been clearly shown. It has also been suggested that in unilateral cryptorchid rats, after division of the ipsilateral GFN fertility rates are higher, i.e., transection of the GFN prevents contralateral testicular damage, but the mechanism is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dividing the GFN on the normal scrotal testes. Thirty male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: group A, transection of right GFN; group B, bilateral transection of the GFN; and group C, sham operations, all at the age of 30 days. The animals were killed at 90 days of age and the testes were removed. Each excised testis was weighed and fixed for histological studies. Mean seminiferous tubular diameter was measured and germinal epithelium maturity was determined using the modified Johnsen testicular-biopsy score. In all groups, all three parameters were similar, suggesting that division of the GFN had no effect on normal testes.

Effect of vasovasostomy on contralateral testicular damage associated with unilateral vasectomy in mature and immature Lewis rats

Objective: We sought to determine if laser-assisted vasovasostomy could reverse the contralateral histologic testicular changes associated with unilateral vasectomy. Design: A prospective, randomized, blinded, controlled study. Setting: Animal microsurgical laboratory, St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri. Patient(s): Twenty mature and 20 immature male Lewis rats. Intervention(s): Ten mature and 10 immature male Lewis rats underwent unilateral vasectomy. At 5 months, testicular biopsy and laser-assisted vasovasostomies were performed followed 2 months later by evaluation of vas patency and repeat testicular biopsy. Control animals consisted of 10 rats in each group, 5 that underwent sham operations and 5 that had halothane anesthesia alone. Result(s): In the immature and mature groups unilateral vasectomy resulted in marked contralateral testicular damage in 30% (3 of 10) and 50% (5 of 10), respectively. Vas patency determined 2 months after vasovasostomy was 80% (8 of 10) in the mature group and 89% (8 of 9) in the immature group. No animal that had contralateral testicular changes after vasectomy and a patent vas after vasovasostomy showed improvement in testicular histology. Conclusion(s): It appears that contralateral testicular damage associated with unilateral vasectomy is not improved 2 months after successful vasovasostomy in mature or immature Lewis rats.

The effects of vasodilatation and chemical sympathectomy on spermatogenesis after unilateral testicular torsion: a flow cytometric DNA analysis.

To evaluate the effects of vasodilator therapies and chemical sympathectomy on ipsilateral and contralateral testicular spermatogenetic activity after unilateral testicular torsion using DNA flow cytometry and thus determine whether contralateral testicular damage occurs through a reflexively decreased blood flow. The study comprised four groups of 20 rats each (groups 1-4) respectively receiving isotonic saline, verapamil, pentoxifylline and 6-hydroxy dopamine hydrobromide (6-OHD) intraperitoneally. Each group was further divided into two subgroups containing 10 rats which respectively underwent either a sham operation or 720 degrees clockwise torsion applied to the left testis. The testes were harvested after 24 h and the relative proportions of haploid, diploid and tetraploid cells determined by DNA flow cytometry for each testis. The proportion of haploid cells was used as an estimate of spermatogenesis. The mean proportions of haploid cells in the groups were compared using a one-way ANOVA and paired groups were compared using Student's t-test. The proportions of haploid cells in the ipsilateral testes of rats undergoing torsion were significantly lower than in their contralateral testes and in the ipsilateral testes of the control groups. In group 4 (6-OHD) the proportion of haploid cells in the contralateral testes was significantly higher than those in the other groups after unilateral testicular torsion, but significantly lower than those in groups 1 and 4 after a sham operation. After unilateral testicular torsion the haploid cell proportions of the contralateral tests of groups 1-3 were not significantly different from each other. Because the spermatogenetic activity in the contralateral testis is depressed within 24 h of ipsilateral testicular torsion, contralateral testicular damage is an acquired effect: 6-OHD offers some protection and thus the damage seems to result from the involvement of the sympathetic system.

Histological evidence of decreased contralateral testicular blood flow during ipsilateral testicular torsion

To evaluate contralateral testicular blood flow by histological examination of arterioles during ipsilateral testicular torsion. The study comprised two groups of 20 male albino rats (weight 250-270 g). The control group underwent a sham operation, while in the second group the left testes were twisted clockwise by 720 degrees. All rats underwent bilateral orchidectomy 24 h after the initial intervention. Three slides for each testis (n = 240) were evaluated randomly while unaware of treatment to determine the total number of arterioles, the percentage of collapsed and open arterioles, the diameter of open arterioles and the presence or absence of blood cells in the lumen. Differences were assessed using t-tests for paired and independent samples. Very few arterioles were collapsed in both testes of the control group and in the ipsilateral testes of the torsion group, but half the arterioles in the contralateral testes of the torsion group were collapsed. The difference between the contralateral testes of the two groups and between the ipsilateral and contralateral testes in the torsion group were significant. The diameter of uncollapsed arterioles did not differ significantly among either testes of the control and torsion groups and either testes in each group. Both testes in the torsion group had significantly more arterioles containing blood cells than those in the control group. The difference between the testes in the torsion group was also significant, but was not in the control group. There was histological evidence of decreased blood flow in the contralateral testis during unilateral testicular torsion; contralateral testicular damage during unilateral testicular torsion may result from hypoxia caused by decreased blood flow.

Subsequent Biological Effects of Chemical Sympathectomy in Rats Undergoing Unilateral Testicular Torsion

The effects of chemical sympathectomy on contralateral testicular histology, fertility and fecundity following unilateral testicular torsion were evaluated in rats. Four groups, placebo plus sham operation, 6-OH-dopamine plus sham operation, placebo plus torsion, and 6-OH-dopamine plus torsion, were established. When the placebo plus sham operation and placebo plus torsion groups were compared, it was found that contralateral testicular damage following unilateral testicular torsion occurred with significantly decreased values for mean seminiferous tubular diameter (MSTD), mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS) and fertility. The relatively normal values for MSTD, MTBS and fertility in the 6-OH-dopamine plus sham operation and 6-OH-dopamine plus torsion groups indicate the preventive role of chemical sympathectomy on contralateral testicular damage. Since chemical sympathectomy prevents contralateral histologic deterioration and preserves fertility in unilateral testicular torsion, the decreased blood flow in the reflex-activating sympathetic system may play a role in contralateral testicular damage.

The preventive role of chemical sympathectomy on contralateral testicular hypoxic parameters encountered during unilateral testicular torsion

To evaluate the effect of chemical sympathectomy on lactic acid and hypoxanthine concentrations in both testes during unilateral testicular torsion in a rat experimental model. Four groups, comprising 10 rats each, were studied. Group I was the control group, Group II rats received a placebo and underwent unilateral testicular torsion, Groups III and IV received guanethidine monosulphate and 6-OH-dopamine hydrobromide respectively, and underwent unilateral testicular torsion. The levels of lactic acid and hypoxanthine in both testes were measured. In rats in Group II the levels of lactic acid and hypoxanthine in both testes were significantly elevated when compared to the control group. In the groups of rats that had undergone chemical sympathectomy, the levels of lactic acid and hypoxanthine were significantly decreased in the contralateral testes compared to rats in Groups I and II. Chemical sympathectomy prevents the elevation of lactic acid and hypoxanthine levels in the contralateral testis of rats with unilateral testicular torsion. Therefore, we conclude that contralateral testicular damage during unilateral testicular torsion may result through a reflex activating sympathetic system.