Mean Seminiferous Tubule Diameter Research Articles

Intra-Abdominal Testis: Histological Alterations and Significance of Biopsy

Intra-abdominal testes represent only 5% of undescended testes. Review of the literature reveals that few data exist on the histological analysis of intra-abdominal testes. We studied histological alterations in intra-abdominal testes in relation to patient age at orchiopexy. A total of 57 boys underwent laparoscopy for impalpable undescended testes between October 2002 and June 2005. Testicular biopsies were taken from intra-abdominal testes, fixed in 3% glutaraldehyde, embedded in Epon, sectioned at 1 micron thickness and stained with toluidine blue. Histomorphometric analysis was performed by light microscopy. Effect of age at operation on histological evaluation of abdominal testes was also studied. Testicular biopsies from 29 patients with intra-abdominal testes showed the histological alterations of decreased mean diameter of seminiferous tubules, germinal cell depletion (55%) and presence of microliths (6.9%). As age at orchiopexy increases, deviation from the norm is more evident and absence of germ cells on biopsy becomes more pronounced, reaching a rate of 93% after age 3 years. Further studies on orchiopexy with or without biopsy in the first few months of life would likely improve our understanding and treatment of cryptorchidism.

Assessment of pubertal development of boars derived from ultrasonographic determination of testicular diameter

At the onset of puberty, seminiferous tubules rapidly increase in diameter, thereby occupying a greater proportion of the testis, resulting in a rapid increase in testicular size. The objective of the current studies was to evaluate ultrasonography for assessing testicular diameter, as a basis for ranking boars relative to their extent of pubertal development. In the initial study, prior to castration at 4, 5, 6, or 7 mo of age, testicular length and diameter were assessed by ultrasonography in 160 anesthetized boars. After castration, testes were weighed. Mean diameter of seminiferous tubules and percentage of the testis occupied by tubules were determined by histological evaluations of all testes. Testicular volume was calculated from length and diameter and was correlated with testicular weight (P < 0.001; r ≧ 0.78) within each of the four age groups. At 4 and 5 mo of age, testicular diameter correlated positively (P < 0.001) with diameter of seminiferous tubules; this relationship was not significant at older ages. In two subsequent studies, testicular diameter determined ultrasonographically in conscious boars was highly correlated (r > 0.8) when assessed twice on the same day, or when diameter of the right was compared with diameter of the left testis. Similarly, testicular diameter obtained initially at 92 d of age correlated positively (P < 0.001) with the diameter observed at older ages, but the magnitude of the relationship decreased as time between evaluations increased. These findings supported ultrasonographic determination of testicular diameter during early pubertal development, as a means to rank boars of similar chronological age for extent of pubertal development.

Morphometry of testis and seminiferous tubules of the adult crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous, Linnaeus, 1766)

Body and testicular biometric parameters are very important for establishing reproductive patterns and, consequently, the development of protocols for assisted reproduction in different species. A direct correlation between the testis weight and the sperm population was observed in other studied species, because the testis size primarily reflects the total volume of the seminiferous tubule, its main component. The objective of this study was to determine the testicular volume parameters and correlate data from morphometry of testis and seminiferous tubules with body mass in six adult crab-eating foxes. The mean body weight of the crab-eating foxes in this study was 6.53 kg, with approximately 0.068% allocated to the testicular mass and 0.042% specifically to seminiferous tubules, which represented 87.5% of the testicular parenchyma. The albuginea comprised 12.5% of the testicular mass. The mean diameter of seminiferous tubules was 236 µm, and the mean thickness of the seminiferous epithelium was 62.9 µm. Values of tubular parameters indicate a sperm productivity close to those observed in previously studied carnivores.

Thymoquinone reestablishes spermatogenesis after testicular injury caused by chronic toluene exposure in rats

The aim of this study was designed to evaluate the possible protective effects of thymoquinone (TQ) on the spermatogenesis after testicular injury caused by chronic toluene exposure in rats. The rats were randomly allotted into one of three experimental groups: control, toluene-treated and toluene treated with TQ; each group contained 10 animals. Control group received 1 mL serum physiologic and toluene treatment was performed by inhalation of 3000 ppm toluene, in an 8-hour/day and 6-day/week order for 12 weeks. The rats in TQ-treated group was given TQ (50 mg/kg body weight) once a day orally for 12 weeks starting just after toluene exposure. Tissue samples were obtained for histopathological investigation. To date, no histopathological changes of testis in rats after chronic toluene exposure by TQ treatment have been reported. Spermatogenesis and mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD) were significantly decreased in toluene treated groups when compared to the control group. Furthermore, the TQ-treated animals showed an improved histological appearance in toluene-treated group. Our data indicate a significant reduction in the activity of in situ identification of apoptosis using terminal dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and there was a rise in the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in testis tissues of the toluene-treated group with TQ therapy. Electron microscopy of the testes of the rats demonstrated that pretreatment with TQ was particularly effective in preventing the mitochondrial degeneration, dilatation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) and enlarged intercellular spaces in both Sertoli and spermatid cells in the toluene-treated animals. We believe that further preclinical research into the utility of TQ may indicate its usefulness as a potential treatment on the spermatogenesis after testicular injury caused by chronic toluene exposure in rats.

A Comparison of Effects of ABVD and ChlVPP Chemotherapeutic Protocols for Hodgkin's Disease on Rats’ Epididiymal and Testicular Tissues

The goal of this study was to determine the effects of ABVD and ChlVPP chemotherapeutic protocols for Hodgkin's disease on the structure of testis and epididymis of male rat. After determining tolerance dose of drugs in pilot study, 24 male rats were divided to four groups: ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycine, vinblastin, dacarbazine) group, ChlVPP (chlorambucil, vinblastin, procarbazine, prednisolone) group and two control groups one for each treatment group. One half of the lethal dose for 50% of population (LD50) was used for treatment of animals in each protocol. Testes and epididymis tissues were examined for structural changes and serum testosterone level was measured by Lission (chemiluminescence method). Body weight, testis and epididymis weights, in treated rats were significantly less than their control groups specifically in ABVD group was less than ChlVPP group. Decreasing of mean diameter of seminiferous tubules, height of spermatogenic cells and diameter of epididymis in caput, corpus and cauda in ABVD group were significantly more than ChlVPP and control group. The serum testosterone level in ABVD group was significantly less than ChlVPP and control group. According to this study results, the ChlVPP had fewer impairment effects than ABVD on testis and epididymis tissue in tolerance doses on male rats' reproductive system. More clinical trial studies are suggested on Hodgkin's patients. With equal treatment effectiveness, it will be better to use the most reliable and safe treatment especially in young patients.

Protective effects of melatonin on testicular torsion/detorsion-induced ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats

Testicular torsion causes an enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species, which contributes to the pathophysiology of tissue damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of melatonin on testicular torsion/detorsion-induced ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. A total of 24 male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups of 8 animals each: control, I/R, and I/R treated with melatonin. The ischemia period was 5 h and orchiectomy was performed after 5 h of detorsion. Melatonin (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.]) was administrated only once, 40 min prior to detorsion. Spermatogenesis and mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD) were significantly decreased in the I/R groups were compared to the control group. Furthermore, the melatonin treated animals showed an improved histological appearance in the I/R group. Our data indicate a significant reduction in the activity of TUNEL; there was a rise in the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and testosterone in testes tissue of the I/R group treated with melatonin therapy. Electron microscopy of the testes of the rats demonstrated that pretreatment with melatonin was particularly effective in preventing mitochondrial degeneration, dilatation of SER, and enlarged intercellular spaces in both Sertoli and spermatid cells in the I/R treated animals. We believe that further preclinical research into the utility of melatonin may indicate its usefulness as a potential treatment on testes injury after I/R in rats.

Experimental Unilateral Spermatic Cord Torsion: The Effect of Polypolymerase Enzyme Inhibitor on Histopathological and Biochemical Changes in the Early and Late Periods in the Ipsilateral and Contralateral Testicles

We wanted to show early and late biochemical, histopathological, and apoptotic changes caused by unilateral spermatic cord torsion in ipsilateral and contralateral testicles and the effect of the poly (adenosine triphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, nicotinamide, on these changes in early and late periods. Forty-seven Wistar albino rats were divided into 2 major groups as early and late periods. Subsequently, each group was divided into subgroups as control, sham, torsion-detorsion (TD), TD treated with saline (TDS), and TD treated with nicotinamide (TDN). Left testicles were subjected to spermatic cord torsion for 4 hours. Thirty-minutes before detorsion, 0.2 mL saline or 10 mg/kg nicotinamide was administered intraperitoneally to the TDS and TDN groups, respectively. Bilateral orchidectomy was performed by the end of the fourth hour in early and 2 months after TD in late groups and the animals were sacrificed. Apoptosis, Johnsen Tubular Biopsy Score, and seminiferous tubule diameter (STD) were used to evaluate histopathological changes. Ischemia-reperfusion injury-related changes were assessed by levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total and free glutathione in serum. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of serum MDA and total and free glutathione levels. Rats given nicotinamide had a higher number of spermatogonia in seminiferous tubules in early and late periods when compared with the untreated group (P <.05). In early and late groups, mean STD of contralateral and ipsilateral testicles were higher in rats given nicotinamide when compared with untreated groups. No significance was observed in terms of STD between early and late groups. Late groups treated with nicotinamide had less apoptosis when compared with untreated groups (P <.05). Nicotinamide may successfully decrease ischemia-reperfusion injury in early and late periods in both testicles.

Protective effects of inhibition of tissue nitric oxide in the initial stage against tardive injury of testicular spermatogenic function: experiment with rats

To study the protective effects of inhibition of tissue nitric oxide in the initial stage against the tardive injury of contralateral testicular spermatogenic function after unilateral testicular torsion. 56 prepubertal Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 equal groups: placebo group undergoing rotation of left testis 720 degrees clockwise for 4 h, fixing thereof to the scrotum, and then intravenous injection of normal saline; cyclosporine group, undergoing intraperitoneal injection of cyclosporine once daily for 1 month after the testicular rotation and fixation; NG-methyl L-arginine (L-NMMA) group, undergoing intravenous injection of L-NMMA 30 mg/kg 30 min before the testicular rotation; and sham-operation group, undergoing isolation and suture of testis only. The right (untwisted) testes were removed from 7 rats from each group 1 week and 2 months after surgery. The malondialdehyde (MDA) level and nitrous oxide (NO)/nitrogen oxide synthase (NOS) content were evaluated. Histological examination was conducted. The mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD) was assessed. The level of MHC peptide-tetramer complex was determined by flow cytometry. The levels of MDA, NO, NOS, and MHC peptide-tetramer complex of the L-NMMA, placebo, and cyclosporine groups one week after surgery were all significantly higher than those of the sham operation group (all P < 0.05). The levels of MDA, NO, NOS, and MHC peptide-tetramer complex of the L-NMMA group were all significantly lower then those of the placebo group (all P < 0.05). The pathological damage of the contralateral testis in early and late stages in the L-NMMA group was lighter than in the placebo group. By inhibiting tissue NO production in focal organizations during the early period, L-NMMA reduces the damages inthe testis contralateral to the testis undergoing unilateral torsion.

Effect of Curcumin on Ipsilateral and Contralateral Testes after Unilateral Testicular Torsion in a Rat Model

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the protective effect of curcumin on testicular ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Materials and Methods: 32 male rats were divided into four groups (n = 8): group 1: control; group 2: ischemia; group 3: I/R, and group 4: I/R+CUR. Curcumin (150 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered before 30 min of reperfusion in group 4. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, Johnsen’s testicular biopsy scores, and mean seminiferous tubule diameter measurements were evaluated in testes. In addition, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expressions were evaluated immunohistochemically. Results: MDA levels in control groups were significantly lower than other groups in ipsilateral and contralateral testes. Johnsen’s scores in the control group were significantly higher than in other groups. MDA levels and Johnsen’s scores in the I/R+CUR group were similar to the ischemia and I/R groups in ipsilateral and contralateral testes. The immunoreactivity of iNOS and eNOS were increased in I/R ipsilateral testicular groups. After I/R, iNOS and eNOS expression increased slightly in contralateral groups. Additionally, the curcumin treatment decreased iNOS and eNOS immunoreactivity in ipsilateral and contralateral testes. Conclusion: The results suggest that curcumin did not protect the unilateral nor contralateral testes. This observation may depend on inhibition of iNOS and eNOS due to inhibition of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects of nitric oxide.

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.

Protective effects of ibuprofen on testicular torsion/detorsion-induced ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of ibuprofen on testicular torsion/detorsion-induced ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. A total of 48 prepubertal male Wistar albino rats were divided into two models: early and late orchiectomy. Testicular torsion was created by rotating the right testis 720 degrees in a clockwise direction. The ischemia period was 5 h and orchiectomy was performed after 5 h of detorsion in the early orchiectomy model (EOM). In the late orchiectomy model (LOM), the ischemia period was 5 h and orchiectomy was performed after 7 days of detorsion. In the EOM, ibuprofen (70 mg/kg, po) was administrated only once, 40 min prior to detorsion. In the LOM, ibuprofen (70 mg/kg, po) was administered 40 min before detorsion, once daily for 7 days. Bilateral orchiectomy was performed in all groups to measure the tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and to microscopically investigate light and electrons. The presence of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity was shown with immunohistochemical studies. Spermatogenesis and mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD) were significantly decreased in ipsilateral and contralateral testis when both early and late I/R groups were compared to the sham groups. Furthermore, ibuprofen-treated animals showed an improved histological appearance in both models of testicular torsion. Ibuprofen treatment prevented lipid peroxidation resulting in decreased MDA accumulation in the testes of both models. After I/R, eNOS immunoreactivity was increased in the testicular tissues. Ibuprofen treatment decreased eNOS immunoreactivity in the germ cells of the tubules in the contralateral testes, but intense eNOS immunoreactivity was shown in the ipsilateral testes of the LOM. Electron microscopy of the testes of rats demonstrated that ibuprofen pretreatment was particularly effective in preventing the mitochondrial degeneration in both Sertoli and spermatid cells in the LOM. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, ibuprofen pretreatment may have protective effects in the experimental testicular torsion/detorsion model in rats.

Effects of Propylthiouracil on Testicular Tissue in Undescended Testes of Newborn Rats

Aim: The most important goal in the treatment of cryptorchidism is to preserve the potential for fertility. This experimental study was performed to investigate the effect of propylthiouracil (PTU) on the undescended testes (UTs) of newborn rats. Materials and Methods: The experimental cryptorchidism model in newborn male rats consisted of 4 groups. The groups A (control) and B (PTU) underwent no surgical intervention, whereas in groups C (UT only) and D (treatment) UTs were produced by dissecting and suturing the future right scrotal area. In groups D and B, 0.1% (w/v) PTU was added to the drinking water of mother rats between 2 and 24 days. At the end of the 90th day rat body weights, testicular weights, Johnsen tubular biopsy scores (JTBSs), seminiferous tubule diameters (STDs), testosterone, and thyroid hormone levels were measured. Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Mean testicular weight was similar between groups A, B and D, and statistically lowest in group C. Mean body weight was statistically higher in groups A and C compared with groups B and D. Mean testosterone levels showed no statistical difference between the groups. Mean JTBSs were statistically higher in groups A and B compared with groups C and D. The value in treatment group D was statistically higher compared to group C (p < 0.05). Mean STDs were statistically lowest in group C compared to other groups (p < 0.05). No difference was found between groups A, B, and D (p > 0.05). Both the mean free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine values between groups A and C and between groups B and D were similar. The values in groups A and C were statistically higher than those of groups B and D (p < 0.05). Conclusion: PTU-induced transient hypothyroidism in the newborn rat UT model shows protective effects on testicular growth parameters.

Protective effect of L‐carnitine on testicular ischaemia–reperfusion injury in rats

Testicular torsion is a urological emergency referred to as 'acute scrotum', because inappropriate treatment can lead to male subfertility and infertility. A possible cause of testicular damage is the ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury attributed to oxygen free radicals. L-carnitine, a vitamin-like antioxidant, plays a pivotal role in the maturation of spermatozoa within the reproductive tract. The aim of the present paper was to determine the protective effect of L-carnitine on testicular I/R-induced injury. Thirty-two male rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 8). Testicular torsion was created by rotating the right testis 720 degrees in a clockwise direction. Group 1: sham-operated control; group 2: ischaemia; group 3: I/R; group 4: ischaemia-L-carnitine treatment-reperfusion group. L-carnitine (500 mg kg(-1), intraperitoneally) was administered before 30 min of detorsion in Group 4. After torsion (5 h) and detorsion (5 h), bilateral orchidectomy was performed. The malondialdehyde (MDA) level was evaluated in testes. Histopathologically, Johnsen's spermatogenesis criteria and mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD) measurements were used. Testicular MDA levels were higher in the torsion group compared to the sham-control group (p < 0.05). Detorsion (reperfusion) caused a further increase in MDA levels (p < 0.05). Pretreatment with L-carnitine prevented a further increase in MDA levels (p < 0.05). Histologically, torsion caused some separation among germinal cells in the seminiferous tubules, which became much more prominent in the I/R group but was attenuated with L-carnitine pretreatment. In conclusion, L-carnitine pretreatment may have a protective effect in experimental testicular torsion-detorsion model in rats by its well-known antioxidant potential.

Autorevascularization of the testicle and spermatic vessels by bladder pedicle flap: an experimental study

Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate revascularization of the testicle through its own tissue and spermatic vessels by a bladder pedicle flap in rabbits. Methods Thirty male rabbits were used in the study. In 10 animals, the Fowler-Stephens (FS) procedure was applied to the right testicles (FS group). The FS procedure and revascularization of the testicle by a bladder pedicle flap were applied to the right testicles in 10 animals (FSO group). No surgical procedure was performed in the control group. Scintigraphic study was performed 3 weeks after the high ligation procedure in the FS and FSO groups. Both testicles were evaluated by radionuclide scintigraphy in all the animals. Macroscopic testicle weights were evaluated. Testicular biopsy scores and mean seminiferous tubule diameters were determined in the histopathologic study. Results The testicular blood flow of the FSO group was better than the FS group ( P < .05), but there was no statistically significant difference between the FSO and the control groups ( P > .01). Testicle weights, testicular biopsy scores, and seminiferous tubule diameters in the FSO group were detected, and there was a statistically significant difference when compared with the FS group ( P < .05) but not with the control group ( P > .01). Conclusion We suppose that the surgical model of revascularization of the testicle through its own tissue and spermatic vessels by a bladder pedicle flap can be an alternative to the FS procedure in abdominal and high canalicular undescended testicles.

Granular changes in Sertoli cells in children and pubertal patients

To characterize lysosomes and histochemical function of granular Sertoli cells in developmental alterations. Prospective and retrospective study. University hospital and research centers. Nineteen infantile and pubertal patients undergoing testicular biopsy; four rat testes for lysosomal study. CD-68, alpha-1-antitrypsin, vimentin, inhibin alpha subunit, and anti-mullerian hormone antibodies were evaluated. Morphometric measures in seminiferous tubules with and without granular Sertoli cells were obtained. Ultrastructural data of lysosomes in human and rat Sertoli cells were compared. Quantification of mean diameter of seminiferous tubules, tubular fertility index, and germ and Sertoli cell indexes were obtained in human testis. Granular changes in Sertoli cells are due to the accumulation of large amounts of lysosomes. Vimentin immunoexpression in infantile and pubertal granular Sertoli cells was lower than in adjacent nongranular Sertoli cells. Inhibin was negative in granular cells. Anti-mullerian hormone-positive and -negative granular Sertoli cells were present within the same tubules. The presence of early granular changes in Sertoli cells in childhood and pubertal cryptorchidic patients, associated with other developmental alterations, suggests an intense and irreversible dysfunction of phagocytosis in the granular Sertoli cells. These alterations might be considered primary and irreversible anomalies of Sertoli cells, which might be contributing factors in the infertility seen in these patients.

Testicular development, ultrasonographic and histological appearance of the testis in ram lambs immunized against recombinant LHRH fusion proteins

Sixteen native ram lambs weaned at 10 wk of age were divided into two groups. Eight animals were immunized against LHRH with a mixture of two fusion proteins: ovalbumin–LHRH-7 and thioredoxin–LHRH-7. The immunized lambs received a primary immunization plus two booster immunizations at 4 and 12 wks. Animals in the control group ( n = 8) were not treated. Scrotal measurements and blood samples were taken at 2-week intervals. Beginning at 25 wk of age, semen was collected and sexual behaviour was evaluated on a weekly basis. At 35 and 37 wk of age testes and accessory glands of all animals were subjected to ultrasound scanning. At 37 wk of age animals were slaughtered and testes were evaluated histologically. Serum LHRH antibodies ( P < 0.01) were detected in animals of the immunized group which had reduced serum testosterone concentrations ( P < 0.01). Testicular development was suppressed in the immunized animals ( P < 0.01). Immunized animals exhibited mounting activity 5 wks later than control animals. No mature spermatozoa containing ejaculates were collected from immunized animals. Control animals had moderately echogenic ultrasonographic appearance at 37 wk age, whereas immunized animals had hypoechogenic images. Mean seminiferous tubule diameter in immunized lambs was significantly smaller than that in control lambs. Basal membrane was thickened and hyalinized; there was an increase in peritubular connective tissue. No proliferating spermatogonia or mature spermatozoa were present in the tubules in these animals. There were no differences in the ultrasonographic appearance of prostate and vesicular gland between control and immunized animals. The LHRH recombinant fusion proteins were effective in immunological castration in ram lambs when started at 10 wk of age as noted by differences in serum testosterone, testicular histology and ultrasonographic appearance of testis and weight of accessory sex glands. Determining the effects of immunization on ultrasonographic appearance of the testis related to time after immunization requires further investigations.

The effects of human chorionic gonadotropin treatment on the contralateral side in unilateral testicular torsion.

Unilateral testicular torsion can cause histologic damage, consisting of aspermatogenesis and tubular atrophy, in the contralateral testis human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) treatment is widely used in undescended testis, and has been shown to improve histomorphometric alterations beside the testicular descent. However, the role of HCG in testicular torsion has not been investigated before. Therefore, this experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effects of HCG treatment on contralateral testicular histology and function in unilateral testicular torsion. Forty adult male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups: SHAM, SHAM+HCG, TORSION, and TORSION+HCG. Torsion was created by twisting the righ testis 720 degrees and maintained by fixing it to the scrotum. HCG treatment started 24 hours after the torsion at a dose of 100 IU/kg, twice weekly for three weeks. Left orchiectomy was performed one month after the torsion and removed testes were immersed in Bouin's fixative for histopathological evaluation. Mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD) was measured and Johnsen's score was calculated. Blood samples were taken for assaying serum testosteron level. Unilateral testicular torsion resulted in a significant decrease in spermatogenesis and MSTD on the contralateral side. Serum testosteron level was also reduced. HCG treatment improved these parameters in the contralateral 'untwisted' testis beside the serum testosteron. Our data demonstrates that unilateral testicular torsion adversely effects its counterpart. HCG treatment improves contralateral histomorphometric alterations and serum testosteron in unilateral torsion.

The effects of prenatal exposure to ethinyl estradiol and bisphenol‐A on the developing brain, reproductive organ and behavior of mouse

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of ethinyl estradiol (EE) and bisphenol‐A (BPA) on the maturation of fetuses, reproductive organ, brain development, and behavior. Twenty‐eight Jcl‐ICR pregnant mice were divided into 0.2 mg/kg of EE, 0.02 mg/kg of EE, BPA and control groups. Pregnant mice belonging to 0.2 mg/kg of EE and 0.02 mg/kg of EE group were daily injected subcutaneously either 0.2 mg/kg or 0.02 mg/kg of EE dissolved in olive oil from 11 to 19 days of gestation. The BPA group received an injection of 100 mg/kg of BPA dissolved in olive oil while the control group received an injection of olive oil alone subcutaneously on the same days of gestation. Neurological and behavioral development was examined by means of the sensorimotor reflexes until day 10 and openfield test on day 40 after birth. Myelination of the brain and maturation of testis were histologically examined. Obtained results were: 1) Pregnant mice in the 0.2 mg/kg EE group had no live births. 2) The mean litter size in the 0.02 mg/kg EE group was smaller than that in the BPA and control groups. The mean body weight at birth and that at the age of 60 days showed no significant differences among groups. 3) In the openfield test at the age of 40 days, the mean number of grooming and line‐crossing in the inner field in the 0.02 mg/kg EE group were significantly higher than those in the control group and the mean number of grooming, rearing and line‐crossing in the outer field in 0.02 mg/kg EE group were significantly higher than those in the BPA group. The mean numbers of defecation in both 0.02 mg/kg EE group and BPA group were less than those in the control group. 4) The mean diameter of seminiferous tubules and number of spermatocytes layers in the 0.02 mg/kg EE group and BPA were significantly less than those in the control group. 5) The mean diameter of tractus mamillothalamics in the 0.02mg/kg EE group and BPA group showed no significant differences compared with that in the control group. These findings suggested that prenatal exposure to EE or BPA adversely affects litter size, openfield behavior and spermatogenesis.

Histopathological examination of both ipsilateral and contralateral testes with different obstructive models in prepubertal and adult rats.

To determine the histopathological changes in both the ipsilateral and contralateral testes of prepubertal and adult male rats 60 days after creating different obstructive models. Thirty-six prepubertal and 32 adult albino male rats were examined in three different obstructive models of the right testis. In group 1 the spermatic cord was ligated, in group 2 the ligation was between the caput epididymis and testis, and in group 3 the vas deferens was ligated. Sixty days after ligation both testes were removed and evaluated for testis diameter, mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD), and degenerative, obstructive and inflammatory changes. The diameter of the obstructed right testis and MSTD were significantly greater in prepubertal rats but there was no apparent difference in adult rats. For obstructive changes, sloughing of germ cells in the prepubertal rats and germ cell absence in adult rats were significantly more common in group 3. The contralateral testis diameter and MSTD of group 3 was significantly greater only in prepubertal rats. Statistically significant values of obstructive change, e.g. sloughing of germ cells and apical vacuolation in Sertoli cells, were apparent in prepubertal rats, but tubular ectasis was the only statistically significant criterion of obstruction in adult rats. The testes are more susceptible to obstruction of the vas deferens in prepubertal than in adults rats, resulting in increased hydrostatic pressure and oedema of both the ipsilateral and contralateral testes, which might be caused by collateral circulation and rat testicular microcirculation, with a rhythmic pattern of arteriolar dilatation and constriction (vasomotion). Although the presence of oedema and high hydrostatic pressure was not prominent in adults, formation of spermatic granulomas and absence or sloughing of germ cells in the obstructed and contralateral testes reflect the early effects of vas ligation on spermatogenesis in adulthood.

Testicular damage after surgical groin exploration for elective herniorrhaphy

Background/Purpose: Controversy exists whether to explore the contralateral groin in boys during unilateral herniorrhaphy. Proponents claim there is minimal risk of injury to the cord structures and developing testicle with contralateral exploration. However, findings have shown testicular atrophy occurred in 1% to 2% of patients after herniorrhaphy, and vasal damage is possible after routine manipulation of the spermatic cord. This study investigated the effect of routine surgical exploration of the prepubertal groin on testicular development and future fertility.Methods: Twenty-four prepubertal Wistar rats were divided equally into 2 groups. Group 1 (sham) rats underwent unilateral inguinoscrotal incision only. Group 2 (experimental) rats underwent unilateral inguinoscrotal exploration with manipulation of the cord structures as in human inguinal exploration. At maturation, the fertility and fecundity of the males were assessed. After mating, testes were examined for mass, volume, mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD), and mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS). The vasa were examined for histological injury and vasal diameter. Statistical comparisons were made by paired t test and Mann-Whitney rank sum test.Results: There was a difference between the volumes of the testes when comparing the operative and nonoperative side of the 2 groups (experimental, Δvol = −0.063 ± 0.123; sham, Δvol = +0.067 ± 0.137; P = .029). There also was a trend toward a smaller testicular mass when comparing the two sides (experimental, Δmass = −0.045 ± 0.101; sham, Δmass = +0.048 ± 0.123; P= .057) but did not reach significance. The MSTD and MTBS were similar between the ipsilateral and contralateral testes in both groups. Likewise, the MSTD and MTBS were similar when comparing the 2 groups. All male rats in both groups were fertile. The number of offspring produced and the number of female rats impregnated were similar between the 2 groups. There was no histological evidence of vasal injury in any of the experimental spermatic cords. The vasal diameters were similar between the 2 groups.Conclusion: Surgical manipulation of the prepubertal spermatic cord imparts a small, but statistically significant morphological change in testicular size without a deleterious effect on testicular development, fertility, or fecundity.