Testicular Artery Research Articles

Effect of melatonin on testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats: is this effect related to the proinflammatory cytokines?

To determine whether the protective effect of melatonin in testicular ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury is mediated by the proinflammatory molecules. Experimental study. University pharmacology laboratory. Fifty-six 8-week-old male Wistar albino rats. Left testicular artery and vein was occluded for 1 hour, followed by 3 hours or 24 hours of reperfusion. Melatonin (10 mg/kg IP) or vehicle (1% ethanol in saline) was given 10 minutes before ischemia. Malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC) content, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 were examined in testicular tissue after 3 hours of reperfusion. Histologic examination was made after 24 hours of reperfusion. The MDA, PC, and MPO levels in testicular tissue increased significantly after IR, but the proinflammatory cytokine levels did not change. Melatonin treatment decreased lipid and protein oxidation and ameloriated histopathologic alterations induced by IR without any change in proinflammatory cytokine levels. The protective effect of melatonin on IR-induced testiculary injury is related to its antioxidant properties but not to proinflammatory cytokines.

Simultaneous Vasectomy and Varicocelectomy: Indications and Technique

When men present for vasectomy, incidental varicoceles may be discovered. After varicocelectomy, the deferential veins become the only avenue for testicular venous return and could be compromised during nonmicroscopic vasectomy. We discuss the indications and technique required to safely perform simultaneous vasectomy and varicocelectomy. From 1992 to 2005, 18 (4.8%) of 379 men presenting for vasectomy had incidental palpable varicoceles and low or low normal serum testosterone levels. All underwent microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy. All spermatic, cremasteric, and gubernacular veins were ligated. The vas was then isolated under magnification, the deferential vessels were preserved, and the vas was transected, cauterized, and clipped. All 18 men (mean age 39.6 years) had grade II to III varicoceles on physical examination. We performed 27 microsurgical varicocelectomies with simultaneous microsurgical vasectomy. On average, the first follow-up visit occurred 14 weeks postoperatively. The mean testosterone level increased from 348 ng/dL preoperatively to 416 ng/dL postoperatively. No complications, episodes of testicular atrophy, vasectomy failures, or varicocelectomy recurrences developed. The incidence of varicoceles in fertile men presenting for vasectomy (4.8%) was lower than in the general population (15%); fertile men appear to be less likely to possess varicoceles. Men presenting for vasectomy with incidental palpable varicoceles could benefit from simultaneous vasectomy-varicocelectomy. This should be performed microsurgically to identify and ligate both spermatic veins and vasa deferentia and to preserve not only the testicular artery, but also the deferential vessels to minimize the risk of testicular atrophy and the risk of insufficient venous drainage.

Comprehensive laparoscopic approach to pediatric varicocele based on preoperative color Doppler ultrasound assessment

This study aimed to assess whether laparoscopic treatment for any kind of varicocele is possible after preoperative identification of refluxing veins by color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS). At the authors' institution, 98 patients with a median age of 11.3 years (range, 7.1-16 years) were evaluated for a left varicocele. Preoperatively, all the patients underwent ultrasound scan assessment of testicular volume and CDUS to rule out reflux into the internal spermatic vein (ISV), deferential vein, or cremasteric vein. In all the patients, laparoscopic division of the spermatic artery and veins was performed as close as possible to the internal inguinal ring. The other vessels were coagulated and divided if shown to be refluxing on CDUS. Color Doppler ultrasound showed reflux only in the ISV in 87 cases (88.7%), but in both the ISV and the deferential in the remaining 11 cases (11.2%). During a median follow-up period of 18 months (range, 6-49 months), none of the authors' patients experienced varicocele recurrence either clinically or according to CDUS scanning. The median left testicular volume increased significantly postoperatively. The proposed technique based on laparoscopic interruption of the ISV and testicular artery very close to the internal inguinal ring, meticulous CDUS assessment to rule out reflux in the deferential vein, and coagulation of refluxing deferential veins allows successful laparoscopic treatment of most varicoceles.

Unusual origin and course of the testicular arteries

The testicular arteries usually arise from the anterolateral aspect of the abdominal aorta just inferior to the renal arteries at the level of the second lumbar vertebra. However, they may also originate from the renal artery, middle suprarenal artery, one of the lumbar arteries, common or internal iliac artery, or the superior epigastric artery. An unusual origin of the right testicular artery and an unusual course of the left one were observed during routine dissection of the retroperitoneal space of a 43-year-old male cadaver. The right testicular artery originated from the inferior segmental branch of the right renal artery. After the left testicular artery originated from the anterolateral surface of the abdominal aorta just inferior to the left renal artery it was located between the left renal vein and the left renal artery and descended anterior to the renal vein. Thereafter it coursed on its normal route distally with the testicular vein. Awareness of variations of the testicular arteries, such as that shown in this case, is important during surgical and radiological procedures pertaining to kidney.

Macroscopic Features of the Arterial Supply to the Reproductive System of the Male Ostrich (Struthio camelus)

The macroscopic features of the arterial supply to the reproductive system of the male ostrich was studied in 16 pre-pubertal and eight sexually mature and active birds. The left and right cranial renal arteries arise from the aorta, between the cranial divisions of the kidneys. These vessels supply the cranial divisions of the kidneys, the testes, the epididymides and the cranial segments of the ducti deferentia. Accessory testicular arteries which arise directly from the aorta are present in 45.8% of the specimens. They supply the testes and cranial parts of the ducti deferentia. They are variable in number and origin, and four variants are identified. A cranial ureterodeferential branch originates from the cranial renal artery, supplies the cranial portion of the ductus deferens and ureter, and runs caudally to anastomose with the middle renal artery. The sciatic artery arises laterally from the aorta, just caudal to the acetabulum, and gives rise, ventrally, to a common trunk, the common renal artery, which divides into the middle and caudal renal arteries. The middle renal artery gives rise to the middle ureterodeferential branch which supplies the middle part of the ductus deferens and ureter. A few centimetres caudal to the kidney, the aorta terminates in three branches, namely, the left and right internal iliac arteries and the median caudal artery. The internal iliac artery divides into the lateral caudal artery and the pudendal artery; the latter gives off caudal ureterodeferential branches that supply the caudal segments of the ductus deferens and ureter. In addition, the pudendal artery gives off vessels that supply the cloaca, some of which continue to the base of the phallus, where they form an arterial network. In conclusion, the pattern of the blood supply to the reproductive organs of the male ostrich is, in general, similar to that of the domestic fowl and pigeon, although there are a few highlighted distinctive features.

Experimental anatomic modeling of venous dyshemocirculation in the scrotal organs

Disorders in venous outflow from the testis and epididymis lead to the formation of pathological compensatory hemodynamics, development of high intratesticular pressure with impairment of the integrity of the intra-organ vessels, up to extravasation (testicular venous infarction), to local arterial hypertension, inter-arterial shunting of stained solutions through the intersystem fusion of the testicular arteries (shunting of arterial blood under vital conditions), and hence, trigger the mechanism of secondary arterial ischemization of the testis and epididymis. The severity of circulatory disorders depends on the volume of venous collectors excluded from circulation: from pronounced disorders in case of testicular venous outflow blockade to extremely severe ones in case of combined testicular-cremasteric venous block (hemodynamic collapse).

Resistance and pulsatility index increase in capsular branches of testicular artery: Indicator of impaired testicular microcirculation in varicocele?

To evaluate the effect of clinical varicocele on testicular microcirculation using spectral Doppler analysis. Forty-nine young and healthy volunteers were enrolled in this prospective study. Varicocele grades were determined according to sonographic parameters. Patients with left-sided clinical varicocele were classified as the patient group (n = 15), while the remaining patients served as controls (n = 34). Spectral Doppler measurements of testicular arteries (peak systolic/end diastolic velocity, resistance index, pulsatility index) were measured from capsular and intratesticular branches. No statistically significant difference was found between the Doppler parameters obtained from the intratesticular branches of both testes and the capsular branches of the right testis. On the other hand, in left-sided clinical varicocele cases, the average resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of capsular branches of the left testes (RI, 0.68 +/- 0.04; PI, 1.22 +/- 0.15) were significantly greater than in the control group (RI, 0.64 +/- 0.06; PI, 1.07 +/- 0.18) (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Increased RI and PI of capsular branches of testicular arteries on spectral Doppler examination may be an indicator of impaired testicular microcirculation in patients with clinical varicocele. Further studies addressing the correlations with sperm counts are needed to determine the cut-off values for these indices.

A novel real-time in vivo 3d confocal imaging system captures thrombus formation in mouse testicular artery

A novel real-time in vivo 3d confocal imaging system captures thrombus formation in mouse testicular artery

Two stage vs one stage fowler stephens orchidopexy - a critical retrospective analysis

Purpose To analyse and compare the efficacy of two stage vs one stage Fowler Stephens orchidopexy (FSO) in the operative management of abdominal testes in a single institution. Material and methods Between 1/93 and 12/05 a total of 25 children with 32 abdominal testes and a mean age of 3.9 years (range 1-13.5 years) underwent two or one stage FSO. In group one 14 children had 17 staged FSO. The time between the two staged operations was mean 4.5 months (range 3-8.8 months). The spermatic artery was clipped laparascopically in 4/14 patients. In group two 12 children had 15 single staged FSO via a standard inguinal oblique incision following a diagnostic laparoscopy. All children were followed at 1, 3 and 12 months including volumetry and color Doppler sonography. The mean follow-up in group one is 5.2 years and in group two 2.6 years. Results In group one (two stage FSO) 12/17 testes (71%) have a normal scrotal position, normal size and growth. One testis is in a correct position but has so far had no catch up growth. 4/17 children had a testis in a high scrotal or inguinal position. Two of them have been reoperated on successfully in the meantime. We observed no testicular atrophy in this group. In group two (single stage FSO) 11/15 testes (73%) are normal sized and in adequate position. Again 1 testis with normal perfusion and position remained rather small. 2/15 children developed a high scrotal or inguinal position, one was reoperated on successfully. One testis became atrophic and has been removed. Conclusions Comparison of the two groups revealed no significant differences concerning viability, catch up growth and adequate position of the testis. Therefore we recommend the single stage procedure in the operative management of an abdominal testis.

Abnormal Testicular Vascular Patterns amongst Three Trinidadians: (A Case Report)

During our routine dissections to prepare teaching materials for our students we encountered three abnormal patterns of the testicular arteries in three Afro Trinidadian males. In the first case the right and left testicular arteries arose from accessory renal arteries. Their course to the testis remained unchanged. In the second case the left testicular artery arose from the left renal artery. The course of the artery also remained unchanged. In the third case an additional right testicular artery was identified arising from the ventral aspect of the abdominal aorta at the same level with the normal right testicular artery. This is the first set of abnormal patterns that have been encountered since the inception of the Anatomy department almost twenty years ago.

The Complex Structure of the Smooth Muscle Layer of Spermatic Veins and Its Potential Role in the Development of Varicocele Testis

ObjectivesVaricocele, a dilatation of the pampiniform venous plexus, is considered to cause male infertility. The exact mechanism of varicocele development is not clarified yet. This study focused on the structure of varicocele veins, compared with normal spermatic veins, and its potential role in varicocele development. MethodsMorphologic and immunohistochemical studies using antibodies against vWF and neurofilament-200 (NF-200) were performed on spermatic vein fragments of 20 varicocele patients and 40 normal spermatic cords. Casting preparation of veins was performed on five normal spermatic cords. ResultsCasting preparation frequently revealed circular constrictions of normal spermatic vein lumina. Histologic evaluation showed a strong longitudinal smooth muscle layer in the adventitia of large veins in addition to the circularly organised tunica media. Serial sections showed smooth muscle fibres branching from the outer longitudinal into the inner circular layer. Immunostaining for vWF revealed high vascularisation of this outer layer. Interestingly, the number of nerve fibres marked by NF-200 immunostaining was considerably higher in large veins compared to the testicular artery. The longitudinal smooth muscle layer was significantly degraded in the presence of varicocele grades I and II, and did not even exist in varicocele grade III. Correspondingly, the number of vasa vasorum and nerve fibres was reduced in varicocele veins. ConclusionsOur data show a complex smooth muscle organisation of spermatic veins, which serves the basis for a contractile mechanism, providing an effective blood transport through pampiniform plexus. This mechanism is obviously damaged in the varicocele. Molecular processes behind this impairment remain to be clarified.

Duplication of the inferior vena cava associated with other variations

Multiple vascular variations, including duplication of the inferior vena cava, double renal arteries and anomalies of the testicular blood vessels, were observed during dissection of the retroperitoneal region of a cadaver of an 87-year-old Japanese man. The right inferior vena cava arose from the union of right common iliac veins and a thinner interiliac vein. This interiliac vein ascended obliquely from right to left and joined the left common iliac veins to form the left inferior vena cava. The right and left inferior venae cavae were of approximately equal width. The right testicular vein consisted of medial and lateral venous trunks. The two venous trunks coalesced to form a single vein, which drained into the confluence of the right inferior vena cava and right renal vein. The left testicular vein was composed of the medial and lateral testicular veins, which drained into the left renal vein. Double renal arteries were seen bilaterally, which originated from the lateral aspects of the abdominal aorta. The right testicular artery arose from the right inferior renal artery and accompanied the lateral trunk of the right testicular vein running downwards. The left testicular artery arose from the ipsilateral inferior renal artery and ran downwards accompanied by the left lateral testicular vein. In addition, the bilateral kidneys showed multicystic changes.

Melatonin reduces ischemia/reperfusion‐induced superoxide generation in arterial wall and cell death in skeletal muscle

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of melatonin on superoxide generation in arterial wall at an early phase of reperfusion and on endothelial dysfunction of microvasculature and cell viability of cremaster muscle at late phase of reperfusion (24 hr) after prolonged ischemia. Bilateral vascular pedicles which supply blood flow to the cremaster muscle were exposed. After surgical preparation, microvascular clamps were applied on the right iliac, femoral and spermatic arteries to create 4 hr of ischemia in both feeding vessels and the unexposed cremaster muscle. The vascular clamping was omitted on the left iliac, femoral and spermatic arteries and served as an internal control. Melatonin or Vehicle was via by intravenous injection at 10 min prior to reperfusion and 10 min after reperfusion. In the first experiment, the vascular pedicle was harvested after reperfusion to measure superoxide generation in real time by lucigenin-derived chemiluminescence. In the second experiment, endothelial-dependent and -independent vasodilatation was examined in the terminal arteriole of cremaster muscle which was then harvested to examine cell viability by WST-1 assay on day 2. Superoxide generation in arterial wall peaked at first 5-min of reperfusion and declined to near baseline after 60 min of reperfusion. Melatonin treatment significantly reduced superoxide generation in arterial walls and improved cell viability in cremaster muscles. Melatonin treatment also significantly reduced microvascular endothelial dysfunction which was still observable in the microcirculation of cremaster muscle after 24 hr of reperfusion. Melatonin reduces superoxide generation in the early phase of reperfusion resulting in attenuating endothelial dysfunction and muscle cell death in the late phase of reperfusion.

Complex renal vascular variation: A case report

As the number of renal surgical interventions increase a better understanding of the anatomy of renal arteries and their branches gain in importance. Here we describe a common trunk from the right side of the aorta ramifying into suprarenal and two renal hilar arteries in a 40-year-old male cadaver detected during dissections performed in a routine gross anatomy course. The suprarenal branch is divided into several smaller branches to supply blood to the suprarenal gland. The superior renal hilar artery gave rise to the right testicular artery and an additional suprarenal artery. The inferior renal hilar artery gave rise to one more additional suprarenal artery. The superior renal hilar artery crossed the inferior renal hilar artery. On the same side renal veins were also doubled. For better outcome interesting variations such as in this case should be kept in mind before and during any interventions involving this region.

Expression and hormonal modulation of the thromboxane A2 receptor gene in mammalian testicular arteries

Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) is a biologically potent arachidonate metabolite which causes vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of TXA2 receptors in mammalian testicular arteries and the influence of exogenous gonadotropin administration on their expression. Experimental study. Experimental animals in an academic research environment. Seven rams aged 4-6 years, weighing 60-90 kg. Both testicular arteries of seven rams were extracted before (from one testis) and after (from the opposite testis) IV administration of 5,000 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The expression of the TXA2 receptor gene was investigated by the real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed by means of Student t test. Results were expressed as mean +/- standard deviation. A P value of <.01 was considered statistically significant. Polymerase chain reaction revealed the presence of TXA2 messenger RNA receptor in all the basal samples, but the expression of TXA2 receptor gene was undetectable in all the arteries obtained 24 h after the administration of hCG. These preliminary results demonstrated for the first time the presence of TXA2 receptors in mammalian testicular arteries. Results also showed that their expression was down-regulated after hCG administration.

Effects of haemorrhagic hypotension on the subcapsular artery and microvasculature of the rat testis

Developing germ cells may be sensitive to even moderate reductions in blood flow. Surprisingly, however, experimental evidence suggests that the rat testis may be unable to maintain its blood flow during a decrease in systemic blood pressure. This study was therefore performed in order to answer the following questions: Is the testis able to maintain its blood flow during moderate to major reductions in blood pressure and, if so, at which level of the testicular vasculature (main artery or microcirculation) does this compensatory response take place? Moderate (-20%) and major (-40%) reductions in blood pressure were induced in anaesthetized rats by haemorrhage and the effects on testicular microvascular blood flow and subcapsular testicular artery diameter were examined by using laser Doppler flowmetry and in vivo video-microscopy respectively. Haemorrhagic hypotension led to decreased local testicular blood flow, but the relative reductions in flow were generally only half as large as the reductions in blood pressure. Hypotension also decreased the diameter of the main subcapsular testicular artery. During large reductions in blood pressure the subcapsular testicular artery constricts and testicular blood flow decreases. However, blood flow is reduced proportionally less than the mean arterial pressure, suggesting that local regulatory mechanisms are present in the testicular microvasculature, which may prevent blood flow from falling below a critical level.

Is testicular perfusion influenced during laparoscopic inguınal hernia surgery?

The influence of laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery is still unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the possible early effects of laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repair on testicular perfusion. In this prospective trial, 44 patients underwent mesh repair of a primary inguinal hernia assigned to one of two procedures: open anterior mesh repair (n = 29) or a laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal approach (n = 15). Doppler ultrasound was used to determine the hemodynamic characteristics of the testicular blood flow. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of Doppler flow parameters for the preoperative, very early (day 1), and early postoperative (day 7) periods. When Doppler flow parameters of the testicular artery were compared in the conventional group, statistically significant differences were found between preoperative and very early postoperative values (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, comparison among flow parameters of the testicular, capsular, and intratesticular arteries of the laparoscopic group showed statistically significant differences between preoperative and very early postoperative and between preoperative and early postoperative values (p < 0.05). There were no statistically differences in postoperative complications between the two groups. Testicular blood flow is influenced during laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery. Whether changes in flow parameters remain in the late postoperative period, and whether they have an impact on complications will be evaluated in further studies.

Managing Varicoceles in Children: Results With Microsurgical Varicocelectomy

Authors from New York present their experience of elective varicocelectomy, using microsurgical techniques, in a large series of children. They found the procedure to be safe and effective, and gave a much lower complication rate than the published rate in open varicocelectomy. The results of urethroplasty in post-traumatic paediatric urethral strictures are presented by authors from Mansoura. They found the overall success of one-stage perineal anastomotic repair of such strictures to be excellent, with very little morbidity. OBJECTIVE To report our experience of microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy in boys aged ≤ 18 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS Boys aged ≤ 18 years treated with microsurgical varicocelectomy between 1996 and 2000 at one institution were retrospectively reviewed. Indications for surgery included ipsilateral testicular atrophy, large varicocele or pain. Microsurgery was assisted by an operating microscope (×10–25) allowing preservation of the lymphatics, and the testicular and cremasteric arteries. Patient age, varicocele grade, complications and follow-up interval were recorded. RESULTS In all there were 97 microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomies (23 bilateral) in 74 boys (mean age 14.7 years). Left-sided varicoceles were significantly larger (mean grade 2.9) than right-sided (mean grade 1.4) varicoceles. The mean follow-up was 9.6 months. There were four complications: two hydroceles, of which one resolved spontaneously after 4 months; one patient had persistent orchialgia that resolved after 8 months; and one developed hypertrophic scarring at the inguinal incision site. There were no infections, haematomas or intraoperative injuries to the vas deferens or testicular arteries. All boys were discharged home on the day of surgery. CONCLUSIONS Microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy in boys is a safe, minimally invasive and effective means of treating varicoceles. Compared with published results of the retroperitoneal mass ligation technique, which has a 15% overall complication rate and a 7–9% hydrocele occurrence rate, the microsurgical subinguinal approach appears to offer less morbidity, with a 1% hydrocele rate. We consider that microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy offers the best results with lower morbidity than other techniques.

Male idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

Idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) affects approximately 30% of all infertile men. This mini-review discussed recent data in this field. Age, non-inflammatory functional alterations in post-testicular organs, infective agents (Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes virus and adeno-associated viruses), alterations in gamete genome, mitochondrial alterations, environmental pollutants and "subtle" hormonal alterations are all considered possible causes of iOAT. Increase of reactive oxygen species in tubules and in seminal plasma and of apoptosis are reputed to affect sperm concentration, motility and morphology. iOAT is commonly diagnosed by exclusion, nevertheless spectral traces of the main testicular artery may be used as a diagnostic tool for iOAT. The following can be considered therapies for iOAT: 1) tamoxifen citrate (20 mg/d) + testosterone undecanoate (120 mg/d) (pregnancy rate per couple/month [prcm]: 3.8%); 2) folic acid (66 mg/d) + zinc sulfate (5 mg/d); 3) L-carnitine (2 g/d) alone or in combination with acetyl-L-carnitine (1 g/d) (prcm: 2.3%); and 4) both carnitines = one 30 mg cinnoxicam suppository every 4 days (prcm: 8.5%). Alpha-blocking drugs improved sperm concentration but not morphology, motility or pregnancy rate. Tranilast (300 mg/d) increased sperm parameters and pregnancy rates in an initial uncontrolled study. Its efficacy on sperm concentration (but not on sperm motility, morphology or prcm) was confirmed in subsequent published reports. The efficacy of tamoxifen + testosterone undecanoate, tamoxifen alone, and recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone is still a matter for discussion.

Real-time monitoring of nitric oxide and blood flow during ischemia-reperfusion in the rat testis

In the present study, we attempted to clarify the role of nitric oxide (NO) and its release during the ischemia-reperfusion rat testis. Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups: age-matched control rats, ischemia (30 minutes)-reperfusion (30 minutes) rats without NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and L-arginine (L-Arg) treatment, ischemia (30 minutes)-reperfusion (30 minutes) rats treated with L-NAME (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg), ischemia-reperfusion rats treated with L-Arg (10 and 30 mg/kg). Sixty minutes prior to induction of ischemia, L-NAME or L-Arg was administrated intraperitoneally. Real-time monitoring of blood flow and NO release were measured simultaneously with a laser Doppler flowmeter and an NO-selective electrode, respectively. NO2-NO3 and malonaldehyde (MDA) concentrations were measured in the experimental testes. Furthermore, we investigated possible morphological changes in the testis. Clamping of the testicular artery decreased blood flow to 5-20% of the basal level measured before clamping. Immediately following clipping of the artery, NO release rapidly increased. After removing the clip, NO release gradually returned to the basal level. This phenomenon was enhanced by treatment with L-Arg and inhibited by treatment with L-NAME. NO2-NO3 concentrations were increased by treatment with L-Arg and decreased by treatment with L-NAME, while MDA concentrations were increased by treatment with L-NAME and were decreased by treatment with L-Arg. In histological studies, the ischemia-reperfusion caused infiltration of leukocytes and a rupture of microvessels in the testis. Our data suggest that NO has cytoprotective effects on ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat testis.