Mean Seminiferous Tubular Diameter Research Articles

Effect of testicular biopsy in childhood on spermatogenesis, fertility, and paternity in adulthood—A mouse model study

Objectives To study the effect of testicular biopsy in childhood on spermatogenesis, fertility, and paternity in subsequent adulthood using an animal model. Considerable controversy exists as to whether testicular biopsy should be performed in children. Methods Four-week-old male ICR mice were subjected to unilateral testicular biopsy (group 1), bilateral biopsy (group 2), or a sham operation (group 3). At 8 weeks of age, the testicular weight, seminiferous tubular diameter, and manifestation of apoptosis were examined. The motility of sperm obtained from the epididymides of the same testes was also examined. Fertility and paternity was assessed in each mouse by housing it with 2 age-matched females for 2 weeks. Results No significant differences were found in the testicular weight, mean seminiferous tubular diameter, or number of apoptotic germ cells between the biopsied and unbiopsied side in group 1 or between groups 2 and 3. No significant differences were noted in the average sperm motility rate between the biopsied (30.5% ± 14.5%) and unbiopsied side (35.8% ± 19.2%) in group 1, or between groups 2 (37.6% ± 18.0%) and 3 (39.3% ± 10.0%). All females who coupled with the male mice in all groups became pregnant. The average number of offspring from the 2 female mice was not significantly different among the three groups (group 1, 13.1 ± 2.3; group 2, 12.3 ± 2.0; and group 3, 11.3 ± 3.0). Conclusions The spermatogenesis, fertility, and paternity of mature mice were unaffected by testicular biopsy in childhood.

Allopurinol provides long‐term protection for experimentally induced testicular torsion in a rabbit model

Sir, I read with interest the article by Kehinde et al.[1]; they reported that administering allopurinol before reperfusion of the testis is associated with a prolonged reduction of free radical level and maintenance of a good Johnsen score. The authors stated that nearly all previous studies reporting beneficial effects of antioxidants were based on short-term observations and only one study to date reported long-term protective effects of antioxidants on the testis [2]. However, we also reported the long-term protective effects of 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB, an inhibitor of polyADP-ribose polymerase, PARP) on histological damage in testicular ischaemia-reperfusion injury [3]. Testicular torsion is a urological emergency.; the salvage rate is directly proportional to the duration and the degree of torsion, and early diagnosis with detorsion is the current management for preserving spermatogenesis and fertility [4]. One strategy to reduce oxidative stress involves the elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by ROS scavengers. It was reported that treatment with ROS scavengers had a palliative effect on the histological changes in the testis that had had 1 h of experimental torsion, but there was no significant rescue after 1 h of testicular ischaemia [2,5]. However, we showed that 2 h of torsion with a 720° rotation of the testis, followed by 4 h of detorsion caused a significant increase in biochemical variables, including malondialdehyde levels, nitric oxide content and myeloperoxidase activity in testicular tissue, related to ischaemia-reperfusion injury and administration of PARP inhibitors before detorsion improved these biochemical variables [6]. Kehinde et al.[1] reported that, to their knowledge, only one study to date reported long-term protective effects of antioxidants on testicular torsion [2]. However, a recent study from our institution using a rat model of 2 h of testicular torsion also showed that inhibiting PARP decreases histological damage after testicular torsion followed by 60 days of recovery [3]. To our knowledge, we showed, for the first time, that 3-AB, an inhibitor of PARP, had a beneficial effect on long-term histological damage in testicular ischaemia-reperfusion injury [3]. When 3-AB was administered before detorsion, the histological factors, including mean seminiferous tubular diameter, germinal epithelial cell thickness and mean testicular biopsy score, were significantly maintained. Unfortunately, Kehinde et al. did not mention our study [6] that reported the protective effect of PARP inhibitors on long-term (60 days) histological damage in testicular ischaemia-reperfusion injury. In addition, the data in their Table 2 are incorrect; the authors noted that the rabbits in group C had 60-min ischaemia followed by left orchidectomy (no reperfusion), but they also reported the mean values of long-term results of group C.

Protective effect of vascular endothelial growth factor on histologic changes in testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury

To evaluate the efficacy of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on long-term histologic damage in testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury. Controlled experimental study using rats. University of Mersin School of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey. Sixteen adult male Wistar rats. Five rats underwent 2 hours of testicular torsion. Six rats received VEGF injection into the testis before detorsion. Five rats underwent sham operation. Mean seminiferous tubular diameter (MSTD), germinal epithelial cell thickness (GECT), mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS), and apoptosis (caspase-3-positive cells). Testicular torsion-detorsion caused a significant decrease in MSTD, GECT, and MTBS and a significant increase in the mean value of caspase-3-positive cells in ipsilateral testes but not in the contralateral testes. The MSTD, GECT, and MTBS of the ipsilateral testes were significantly higher in the group treated with VEGF than in the torsion-detorsion group. The animals treated with VEGF had a significant decrease in the mean value of ipsilateral testicular caspase-3-positive cells compared with the torsion-detorsion group. Vascular endothelial growth factor might have a role in testicular damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion. Administering VEGF before reperfusion might have the potential to decrease the long-term histologic damage after testicular torsion.

Long-term effects of intrauterine exposure to mono- n-butyl phthalate on the reproductive function of postnatal rats

Purpose Although it is well known that phthalate esters induce testicular dysfunction in both adult and immature rats, there have been few reports on the long-term effect of phthalate esters on the testicular function of male rats exposed to phthalate esters in utero. This study was designed to assess the long-term effects of the mono- n-butyl phthalate (MBP) ester on the testicular function of neonatal and adult rat offspring from pregnant dams exposed to phthalate esters during gestation. Methods Pregnant rats were administered MBP [0.5 g/(kg body weight/·d); 4 days] by gavage from the 15th to the 18th gestational day. Rats administered solvent only were used as control subjects. After the rats' puberty, using male pups whose testes descended normally, the authors examined their fertility while also measuring their testicular weights, mean seminiferous tubular diameter, and the developmental grade of the germ cells (Johnsen score) in their testes. Next, in neonatal rats, the authors measured the testicular concentration of the Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) protein using enzyme-linked immunoassay and the expression level of the MIS messenger RNA using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction method as a marker of the Sertoli cells' function. Next the concentration of testosterone protein using a radioimmunoassay as a marker of the Leydig cells' function was measured. Results The pregnancy rate of the female rats coupled with MBP-treated male rats decreased significantly in comparison with that of the female rats coupled with control male rats ( P < .01). Both the testicular weight and the Johnsen score in the MBP-treated group were decreased significantly more than those of the control group ( P < .05). Neither the concentration of the MIS protein nor the expression level of the MIS messenger RNA in the MBP-treated neonatal testes differed from those of the control testes, whereas the concentration of testosterone protein in the neonate testes decreased significantly in the MBP-treated group in comparison with that of the control group ( P < .01). Conclusions A prenatal short-time exposure to MBP induces a long-term effect on postnatal rats and impairs reproductive function in male offspring probably by inhibiting the Leydig cells' rather than Sertoli cells' function in the fetal period.

Effects of peppermint teas on plasma testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels and testicular tissue in rats

Objectives To justify the effects of Mentha piperita labiatae and Mentha spicata labiatae herbal teas on plasma total testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels and testicular histologic features. We performed this study because of major complaints in our area from men about the adverse effects of these herbs on male reproductive function. Methods The experimental study included 48 male Wistar albino rats (body weight 200 to 250 g). The rats were randomized into four groups of 12 rats each. The control group was given commercial drinking water, and the experimental groups were given 20 g/L M. piperita tea, 20 g/L M. spicata tea, or 40 g/L M. spicata tea. Results The follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels had increased and total testosterone levels had decreased in the experimental groups compared with the control group; the differences were statistically significant. Also, the Johnsen testicular biopsy scores were significantly different statistically between the experimental groups and the control group. Although the mean seminiferous tubular diameter of the experimental groups was relatively greater than in the control group, the difference was not statistically significant. The only effects of M. piperita on testicular tissue was segmental maturation arrest in the seminiferous tubules; however, the effects of M. spicata extended from maturation arrest to diffuse germ cell aplasia in relation to the dose. Conclusions Despite the beneficial effects of M. piperita and M. spicata in digestion, we should also be aware of the toxic effects when the herbs are not used in the recommended fashion or at the recommended dose.

The effects of local and sustained release of fibroblast growth factor on testicular blood flow and morphology in spermatic artery— and vein-ligated rats

Background/purpose This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of local and sustained release of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) on testicular blood flow and morphology in spermatic artery— and vein-ligated rats. Methods Forty male Wistar albino rats weighting 300 ± 20 g were allocated randomly into 5 groups consisting of 8 in each as follows: G-S (sham); G-C (control); and G-T 0.85, G-T 1.70, G-T 2.55. After the ligation of the left spermatic artery and vein, 1 cm 2 of unloaded and 0.85 μg, 1.70 μg, and 2.55 μg of FGF-loaded gelatin films were sutured on the left epididymis in G-C, G-T 0.85, G-T 1.70, and G-T 2.55, respectively. After 30 days, bilateral capsular (CBF) and intratesticular (IBF) blood flows were evaluated by colored Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) and testicular blood flow (TBF) by 133Xe clearance technique. Tunica albuginea and intertubular tissues were studied for the increase of peritesticular and intratesticular vessels. Mean intertubular vascular structure counts, seminiferous tubular diameters, testicular biopsy scores, and Leyding cell scores of each group were recorded and compared. Results CBF was present in all animals of G-S, G-T 0.85, G-T 1.70, and G-T 2.55 groups in CDUS, and it was detected in 62% of the G-C rats ( P < .05). However, IBF was present in only 25% of the G-C rats, and this percentage was increased from 50% up to 87.5% for treatment groups, and 100% for G-S rats, respectively. 133Xe clearance showed that TBF was significantly decreased in G-C compared with G-S (P < .05). In G-T 2.55, TBF was significantly increased, but still could not reach the level of G-S. Although mean testicular weights were significantly decreased for controls (G-C), G-T 0.85, and G-T 1.70, almost no difference was observed between G-T 2.55 and G-S. Although a slight increase in the vascular structures of tunica albuginea was present in G-C rats, a significant increase was observed in treatment groups. The mean number of intertubular vascular structures was significantly increased in treatment groups when compared with G-S and G-C (P < .05). Mean seminiferous tubular diameters and Leydig cell scores were decreased in G-C but significantly increased in treatment groups (P < .05). Mean testicular biopsy scores were increased in treatment groups compared with G-C but could not reach to sham levels. Conclusions Ligation of the spermatic artery and vein has detrimental effects on the ipsilateral testicular blood flow and morphology. These effects may be reversed by local application of FGF.

Inhibition of poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase decreases long-term histologic damage in testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury

Objectives To evaluate the effect of 3-aminobenzamide, an inhibitor of poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP), on the long-term histologic damage in testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury. PARP inhibitors have been used successfully to decrease ischemia-reperfusion injury in several organ systems. Methods Adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of 7 rats each. One group underwent 2 hours of testicular torsion; one received pretreatment with vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide) before detorsion; one received pretreatment with 3-aminobenzamide, an inhibitor of PARP, before detorsion; and one group underwent a sham operation. All rats underwent bilateral orchiectomy 60 days after the experiment. The mean seminiferous tubular diameter, germinal epithelial cell thickness, and mean testicular biopsy score were determined by histologic examination of each testis. Results Testicular torsion-detorsion caused a significant decrease in the mean seminiferous tubular diameter, germinal epithelial cell thickness, and mean testicular biopsy score in the ipsilateral testes ( P <0.001), but not in the contralateral testes. The animals treated with 3-aminobenzamide had a statistically significant increase in these histologic parameters compared with the torsion-detorsion group ( P <0.01). Conclusions The results of this study show that PARP may have a role in the testicular damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion. Administering PARP inhibitors before reperfusion may have the potential to decrease the long-term histologic damage that occurs after testicular torsion.

INTERFERON α-2B MAY IMPAIR TESTICULAR HISTOLOGY INCLUDING SPERMATOGENESIS IN A RAT MODEL

Interferon-alpha has been used in various diseases at the reproductive ages. However, the effect of interferon-alpha on testicular histology has not been studied in literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of interferon alpha-2B on testicular histology including spermatogenesis in a rat model. Seventeen adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups: Six rats received 7.500 units (5 MIU/m2) of interferon alpha-2B (Intron), considered clinical treatment dose range. Six rats received 30.000 units (20 MIU/m2) of interferon alpha-2B (Intron), considered high treatment dose. Five rats served as a control group receiving 0.5 mL of saline injection. All injections were done intraperitoneally 3 times weekly for 3 weeks under inhalation anesthesia. All rats underwent bilateral orchiectomy 30 days after the experiment. Histological examination included the mean seminiferous tubular diameter (STD), germinal epithelial cell thickness (GECT), and testicular biopsy score (TBS). The mean STD was significantly lower in the low-dose interferon and high-dose interferon groups than in the control group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.004, respectively). The mean GECT was significantly lower in the low-dose interferon and high-dose interferon groups than in the control group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.004, respectively). The mean TBS was significantly lower in the low-dose interferon group (p = 0.05) and the high-dose interferon group (p = 0.01) than in the control group. The decreases in the mean values of the STD, GECT and TBS were not related to the interferon dose. Interferon alpha-2B may impair testicular histology even in clinical widely used treatment dose. Therefore, men at the reproductive ages should be fully informed for the use of interferon-alpha in the treatment of various diseases.

Morphometric and Histopathological Studies on the Effects of Some Chromatographic Fractions of Phyllanthus amarus and Euphorbia hirta on the Male Reproductive Organs of Rats

The aqueous crude extracts of P. amarus and E. hirta were administered to thirty eight-week old sexually mature male albino to determine the effects of these extracts on the male reproductive organs of these animals. The results from this study revealed that the aqueous crude extracts of P. amarus and E. hirta caused varying degrees of testicular degeneration as well as reduction in the mean seminiferous tubular diameter (STD) in the treated rats. It thus shows that the aqueous crude extracts of P. amarus and E. hirta have potentially deleterious effects on the testes and accessory organs of rats. Great caution should therefore be exercised in the use of these plants for medicinal purpose.

SPERMATOGENESIS, FERTILITY AND SEXUAL BEHAVIOR IN A HYPOSPADIAC MOUSE MODEL

Administering of flutamide to pregnant mice causes hypospadias in male offspring. We investigated spermatogenesis, fertility and sexual behavior in this hypospadiac mouse model. Male offspring exposed to flutamide during the embryonic period were divided into hypospadiac group 1 and normal external genitalia group 2. Control group 3 consisted of male offspring not exposed to flutamide. We analyzed the spermatogenesis, epididymides sperm motility, in vitro fertilization rate and sexual behavior of each mouse. There were no significant differences in the weight of the testes or mean seminiferous tubular diameter in the groups. The number of apoptotic germ cells per unit area was not significantly different in the 3 groups. In groups 1 to 3 there were no significant differences in the mean epididymides sperm motility rate plus or minus standard deviation (62.6% +/- 10.0%, 57.2% +/- 7.0% and 67.0 +/- 7.6%) or in the in vitro fertilization rate (52%, 48% and 48%, respectively). However, there were significant differences in groups 1 to 3 in mean mounting frequency (0, 29 +/- 4.0 and 12.4 +/- 4.5 times per hour) and mean intromission frequency (0, 24.4 +/- 3.5 and 3.8 +/- 1.5 times per hour, respectively). Females coupled with group 1 or 2 male mice did not achieve pregnancy. These results suggest that spermatogenesis, sperm motility and fertilization in vitro were unaffected in hypospadiac mice but sexual motivation and arousal were deficient.

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.

The effect of the genitofemoral nerve division on the contralateral descended testis in the unilateral cryptorchidism model.

It is widely accepted that there are degenerative changes and decreased spermatogenesis in the contralateral descended testis (CDT) in unilateral undescended testis (UUDT). While some investigators have postulated that the mechanism may be related to primary (congenital) or secondary (autoimmune, vascular, and neural) events, the exact mechanism of the damage to the CDT is still unknown. The present study was planned to investigate the role of the genitofemoral nerve (GFN) on the changes in the CDT. Forty male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups of 10 each. During the newborn period a UUDT model was created and at the age of 30 days ipsilateral GFN division was done (group A). In addition, UUDT with intact GFN (group B), divided right GFN with bilateral scrotal testes (group C), and control (group D) groups were formed. When the animals reached early adulthood, they were killed and the testes were removed. Mean seminiferous-tubular diameter (STD) and germinal-ephitelium maturity was determined using modified Johnson testicular biopsy scores (TBS). The mean STD and TBS of the study groups did not show any differences suggesting that ipsilateral division of the GFN has no effect on the CDT in the UUDT model.

Effects of Abdominal Location and Epididymal or Vasal Obstructions either Individually or in Association on Ipsilateral and Contralateral Testes

Objective: An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the damages in ipsilateral and contralateral testes in individual or associated presences of abdominal location and vasal or epididymal obstructions. Methods: Six groups each consisting of 8 rats were established. The groups included sham operation, ligation of the vas deferens, detachment of the epididymis from testis, abdominal placement of the testis, abdominal placement of the testis with vas deferens ligation, and abdominal placement of the testis with detachment of epididymis from testis. After 30 days, bilateral orchidectomy was performed. Mean seminiferous tubular diameters (MSTD) and mean testicular biopsy scores (MTBS) were obtained for each testis. Relative proportions of haploid, diploid and tetraploid cells were determined by DNA flow cytometry. MSTD, MTBS and the proportions of haploid cells were compared through one–way analysis of variance. Results: While vas deferens ligation has diminished MSTD only in the contralateral testes, abdominal testis and detachment of epididymis have diminished MSTD in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes. MTBS were depressed only in the ipsilateral testes in groups of abdominal testis, vas deferens ligation and detachment of epdidymis. However, ratios of haploid DNA were depressed in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes. Abdominal testis together with vas ligation or detachment of epididymis has further depressed the ratios of haploid DNA in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes. Conclusion: Compared to their individual presence, the associated presence of abdominal testis and vasal or epididymal obstructions may augment the damages encountered within the ipsilateral and contralateral testes.

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.

Do experimentally induced ipsilateral testicular torsion, vas deferens obstruction, intra-abdominal testis or venous obstruction damage the contralateral testis through a common mechanism?

To evaluate if various conditions affecting the ipsilateral testis which also damage the contralateral testis share a common pathway for their effects. The study comprised five groups of 10 adult rats which underwent surgery to produce (on their left sides); group 1, a sham operation (control); group 2, testicular torsion; group 3, vas deferens obstruction; group 4, an intra-abdominal testis; and group 5, venous obstruction. The ipsilateral and contralateral testes were harvested 4 weeks after surgery. The relative proportions of haploid cells, the mean seminiferous tubular diameter (MSTD), mean testicular biopsy scores (MTBS), and lactate and hypoxanthine levels were determined and compared. The proportions of haploid cells in the ipsilateral and the contralateral testes of groups 2-5 were significantly lower than those of the corresponding testes of the control group. The MSTD and MTBS of the ipsilateral testes in groups 2-5 were also significantly lower than the ipsilateral testes of controls and the contralateral testes within the same groups. While the MSTD and MTBS of the contralateral testes of groups 1 and 5 were not significantly different, those of the contralateral testes of groups 2-4 were significantly less than that of group 1. The lactic acid and hypoxanthine levels of the ipsilateral and contralateral testes were significantly increased in groups 2 and 3. While only the hypoxanthine level of group 5 increased significantly, both variables were not significantly different between the ipsilateral testes of groups 1 and 4. These four treatments damaged both the ipsilateral and contralateral testes. As the lactic acid and hypoxanthine levels within the contralateral testis were greater than in the controls, testicular torsion and vas deferens obstruction seem to share a common pathway (which may be a reflex decrease in contralateral testicular blood flow) for their effects on the contralateral testis.

Fertility and unilateral undescended testis in the rat model II.

Continuing experimental work on the effect of experimentally created unilateral undescended testis (UL-UDT) in neonatal rats, this study examined the fertility and correlated it to contralateral (CL) testicular morphology, seminiferous tubular diameter (STD), DNA flowcytometry, and the presence of serum anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) at 120-135 days of age. In our previous reported work, the fertility of rats with UL-UDT at 65-80 days of age was the same as that of controls. In the present study the rats with UL-UDT had significantly reduced fertility (P < 0.01) compared to controls, even though the Johnsen scores and mean STD of the CL testicular tissue were comparable. DNA flowcytometry demonstrated a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in haploid cell population in the CL testicular tissue of rats with UL-UDT. Furthermore, the rats with UL-UDT who either received an immunosuppressive or in whom the UDT was excised early showed almost normal fertility and DNA histograms like those of controls. Significantly high titres of serum ASA were detected only in the group with UL-UDT when tested at 135 days of age. From these results, in combination with earlier results on similar work, it may be inferred that UL-UDT causes immunologically-mediated, progressive damage to the CL descended testis, leading to a decrease in fertility in rats.

The effects of extensive vas mobilization on testicular histology during orchiopexy.

We were aware that extensive mobilization of vas deferens during orchiopexy could cause secondary infertility due to testicular damage and/or functional obstruction of the vas deferens. We decided to perform this experimental study in order to document the effects of this procedure on the testis. Thirty adult fertility-proven New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups. Ten rabbits underwent extensive mobilization of the vas deferens and the other 10 rabbits had vasectomy on the left side. The remaining 10 rabbits were explored on the left side only and were considered sham controls. Four weeks later all rabbits underwent bilateral orchiectomy. Mean seminiferous tubular diameters and Johnsen's testicular biopsy scores were noted. Comparison of the three groups showed that vas mobilization and vasectomies cause no effect on the viability of testis, however, significant testicular histological changes, which were different from the controls and contralateral testis, were observed. We concluded that during any surgical intervention involving the inguinal canal, vascular and neural supports of the vas deferens should be preserved as much as possible in order to avoid iatrogenic damages to the testis.

Experimental testicular torsion and its effects on the contralateral testicle.

Following experimental unilateral torsion of the testis the histologic effects of unilateral testicular torsion on the contralateral testis were investigated. Utilizing detorsion or orchiectomy at 4 hours and 8 hours after torsion, the effects of early and late treatment modalities on the contralateral testicle were observed. Morphometry of the contralateral testis revealed some alterations including focal sclerosis, decrease in mean seminiferous tubular diameter and a marked increase of the Leydig cells in some subgroups. In spite of some changes, definite evidence for contralateral damage due to ipsilateral torsion contributing to male infertility was hardly observed.

The effects of chemical sympathectomy on contralateral testicular histology, fertility and fecundity in unilateral abdominal testes

To evaluate the effects of abdominal testis on ipsilateral and contralateral testicular histology, fertility and fecundity in rats which were chemically sympathectomized neonatally. The study comprised 60 male albino rats, 30 receiving a placebo and 30 a chemical sympathectomic agent neonatally. When 21 days old, the two groups of 30 rats were each divided into three groups and underwent a control operation or abdominal fixation of one or both testes. After they were 8 weeks old, each male rat was housed with two fertile female rats for 25 days, after which their testes were harvested. Females were observed for an additional 25 days and any pregnancies and the number of offspring were recorded. Mean seminiferous tubular diameters and mean testicular biopsy scores were determined for each testis. Although fertility and fecundity rates and mean testicular biopsy scores were not significantly different, chemical sympathectomy prevented the decrease in mean seminiferous tubular diameters which occurred in the contralateral testis. Chemical sympathectomy protected contralateral testicular histology to some degree. Therefore, the sympathetic system may play a role in contralateral testicular deterioration.

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.