Testicular Blood Flow Research Articles

Effect of pentoxifylline on the testicular hemodynamic, volume, testosterone, nitric oxide levels and semen quality in Ossimi rams during non breeding-season

During the non-breeding season, Ossimi rams have testicular regression, including reductions in blood flow, size and spermatogenesis. The objective was to determine the effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) on Ossimi rams during the non-breeding season. Fifteen sexually mature Ossimi rams were allotted to three groups: (1) G0 (n = 5) control group (basic diet, no PTX); (2) G1 (n = 5) 10 mg/kg BW PTX; and (3) G2 (n = 5) 20 mg/kg BW PTX. The PTX was given orally once daily for 7 weeks (wk1 to wk7), whereas ultrasonographic assessment of testes, and collection of semen and blood started 1 week before PTX and were done weekly for 8 weeks (wk0 to wk7). In G2, there was a decrease(P < 0.05) in both Doppler indices (resistive index, pulsatility index) in G2 from wk2 to wk4 and an increase(P < 0.05) in ultrasonographic testicular coloration from wk2 to wk7. Moreover, G2 had the highest (P < 0.05) testicular volume (wk5 to wk7), individual motility, sperm viability and acrosome integrity (wk4 to wk7) and sperm cell concentration (wk6 and wk7). Blood concentrations of testosterone and nitric oxide were increased (P < 0.05) concurrent with decreased Doppler indices. In conclusion, PTX enhanced testicular blood flow and volume, semen quality, and concentrations of testosterone and nitric oxide potential in Ossimi rams during the non-breeding season, with potential to ameliorate deleterious effects of heat stress and perhaps enhance ram fertility.

Use of Doppler indices of vascular impedance for diagnosing testicular degeneration in stallions

Spectral Doppler ultrasonography is used to evaluate testicular blood flow in males. Further, the correlation between testicular function and values of Doppler indices, Resistive Index (RI), and Pulsatility Index (PI) were reported in men and several animal species (Velasco and Ruiz. Animals 2020;11:1-13). We have previously shown that stallions with oligospermia associated with medically induced testicular degeneration (TD) have higher values of Doppler indices of testicular blood flow than normal stallions (Pozor et al. JEVS 2014;34:38-9). The goal of this retrospective study was to validate Doppler indices of vascular impedance for the identification of stallions with TD. Medical records from five adult stallions with clinical signs of testicular degeneration (small, flaccid, hypoechoic testes; oligospermia or azoospermia, necrospermia; immature germ cells, detached sperm heads) were reviewed. Three of the five subfertile stallions were later castrated, and severe TD was confirmed histologically. Spectral Doppler ultrasound examination of the marginal aspect of the testicular artery was performed by the same operator, and values of RI and PI were determined for each testis. Doppler indices in the five subfertile stallions were compared with those of five normal fertile stallions, evaluated four times in different seasons, using Kruskal-Wallis One-Way ANOVA method. There were no significant differences betweensubfertile and normal stallions for RI (Mean: 0.66 vs. 0.63, SD: 0.08 vs. 0.11, respectively; P>0.5) or PI (Mean: 1.18 vs. 1.22, SD: 0.23 vs. 0.40, respectively; P>0.5). In addition, information from a pony stallion was obtained over four consecutive years. An initial testicular blood flow evaluation was performed on this stallion at 18 yrs. of age, when good fertility and normal semen parameters were confirmed. Over the four years, the pony stallion's testicular volume decreased from 95 cm3 to 41 cm3. The stallion's total sperm numbers fell from an average of 4.6 billion in Year 1 to 0 in Year 4, indicating progressive TD, which was later confirmed histologically. Values of Doppler indices of vascular impedance in the affected stallion were compared to a pony stallion of a similar size and age with normal testicular and seminal parameters. Doppler indices in the affected stallion did not change significantly over the 4 years evaluated (RI: 0.58 – 0.65; PI: 1.02 – 1.12). Further, the Doppler indices in the affected stallion were not different from the normal pony stallion. Based on data collected from this small population of stallions, Doppler indices of testicular blood flow may not be reliable for diagnosing testicular degeneration in stallions. We have no clear explanation for why the results presented here differ from our previous study. Perhaps different etiologies of TD, acute induced vs chronic progressive, contributed to this difference.

Doppler evaluation of testicular arteries of stallions of different ages

Doppler ultrasound is a relevant method of monitoring testicular hemodynamics and widely used in andrological evaluations in humans. Testicular blood flow in men increases with age, while the pediatric phase is characterized by physiological testicular hypo-vascularization (Dudea et al., Medical Ultrasonography. 2010;12:43-51). Doppler ultrasound is rarely used in stallions which explains the lack of information and benchmarks. Variation in blood flow of adult stallions of different ages has, however, been reported (Pozor and McDonnell, Theriogenology. 2004;61:799-810) and should be further explored. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the blood flow pattern of the testicular artery in normal stallions (anatomically positioned testicle) of different ages. Both testicles of 30 Mangalarga Marchador stallions were evaluated by spectral Doppler and subjected to three different groups: Young (30 months-4 years, n=10), Adults (6-9 years, n=10) and Old (10-22 years, n=10). For the spectral mode, resistance and pulsatility indexes (RI and PI, respectively), systolic peak velocity (SPV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV) and timed average mean maximum velocity (TAMMV) were measured from the supra-testicular (Supra) and capsular (Cap) arteries.Stallions were evaluated during the reproductive season and were restrained without sedation. For statistical analysis, overall effect and pairwise testing with Šidák correction was performed. The effect of the predictor variables presence of torsion, age group and side were assessed using mixed models, Pearson correlations were also applied to assess the association between pairs of variables. Results showed higher SPV Supra in Old than in Young stallions (P<0.041) and, when testis were compared, higher PI Supra in left testicles for Old stallions was observed when compared to right testicles for Young and Adult stallions (P<0.001). These findings suggest lower testicular blood flow in Old stallions possible related to degenerative processes resulting in increased blood flow resistance. Higher PI in the left testicles may be related to early development of left testicles and epididymis (Nishikawa, 1959, Tokyo: Shiba Tamuracho Minatoku) and a lesser descent into the scrotum (Bergin et al., Biol. Reprod. 1970;3:82-92). The difference in perfusion between testes may induce more pronounced degenerative processes in the left testis due to its greater exposure to intra-abdominal temperatures.

Hemodynamic evaluation of the testicular artery in stallions with spermatic cord torsion

Testicles are supported by spermatic cord and show some mobility within the scrotum. Excessive testicle mobility can result in rotation around its vertical axis, which may result in cord strangulation and reduction of blood perfusion (Filho and Oliveira, ABCMED. 2012). Depending on duration and severity of torsion, a reduction in diastolic velocity or retrograde diastolic flow may happen and lead to the absence of arterial flow, as a result of increased resistance to blood flow (Dogra et al., Journal of Clinical Ultrasound. 2001;29:105-108). Retrograde diastolic blood flow has been detected in stallions with 180° spermatic cord torsion (Pozor and McDonnel, Theriogenology. 2004;61:799-810). The objective of the present study was to evaluate testicular artery blood flow in stallions with 180° spermatic cord torsion in comparison to stallions with testis not affected by spermatic cord torsion. Both testis of 38 Mangalarga Marchador stallions were evaluated by spectral Doppler ultrasound. Animals with normal testis were divided into two experimental groups according to their age to verify if there would be any differences between groups: Normal Young, 30 months-4 years old (NY, n=10) and Normal Adults, 6-9 years old (NA, n=10). Similarly, animals with unilateral 180° spermatic cord torsion were divided into: Young with torsion, 30 months-4 years old (TY, n=10) and Adults with torsion, 6-9 years old (TA, n=8).For Doppler evaluations, spectral mode, resistance and pulsatility indexes (RI and PI, respectively), systolic peak velocity (SPV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV) and timed average mean maximum velocity (TAMMV) were measured at the supratesticular (Supra) and capsular (Cap) arteries. Stallions were evaluated during the reproductive season and were restrained without sedation. For statistical analysis, overall effect and pairwise testing with Šidák correction was performed. The effect of the predictor variables presence of torsion, age group and side were assessed using mixed models, Pearson correlations were also applied to assess the association between pairs of variables. For young stallions, when normal testis (n=20) were compared to rotated testis (n=15) and contralateral (n=5), rotated testis showed lower Supra RI than normal testis (P<0.001). For adult stallions, contralateral testis (n=7) Supra EDV were lower than normal testis (n=20) (P<0.001). Findings showed blood flow changes due to torsion in rotated testis and its contralateral. Therefore, these parameters should be considered to assess damage caused by torsion of the spermatic cord because of impaired testicular perfusion. Findings reinforce the theory of a reduced blood perfusion not only for the rotated testicles, but also for the contralateral one.

Effect of Acute Melatonin Injection on Metabolomic and Testicular Artery Hemodynamic Changes and Circulating Hormones in Shiba Goats under Sub-Tropical Environmental Conditions.

The beneficial effects of melatonin were investigated to mitigate various detrimental effects and toxicity on reproductive performance. The present study aimed, for the first time, to explore the effect of intravenous melatonin injection on testicular artery hemodynamics (TH) and metabolomic changes, reproductive hormones in heat-stressed bucks. Ten bucks were randomly split into two groups (five each): (1) the melatonin group, treated with a single intravenous dose of melatonin solution containing 10 mg melatonin each, and (2) the control group, which was treated with 10 mL of the vehicle without melatonin. Changes in the TH at the level of the supra testicular artery (STA) were assessed by triplex ultrasonography just before (0 h) and at 0.5, 2, 7, 24, and 168 h after melatonin or vehicle administration. Doppler velocity parameters of peak systolic velocity (PSV; cm/s), end-diastolic velocity (EDV; cm/s), and time average maximum velocity (TAMAX; cm/s) were measured. Doppler indices (resistive index; RI and pulsatility index; PI), systole/diastole (S/D) ratio and total arterial blood flow volume (TABFV; ml/minute) were measured. Peripheral concentrations of FSH, LH, inhibin, melatonin, testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and cortisol were measured just before injection (0 h) and at 0.5, 2, 7, and 24 h and daily up to day 7 post administration in both groups. Results revealed reductions in the RI values and increases in the TABFV in the melatonin group compared to the control one, especially 2 h after administration. Significant increases in concentrations of FSH, T, E2, and melatonin and decreases in cortisol and inhibin in the melatonin group compared to the control one. Plasma metabolomic analysis at 2 h indicated the up-regulation of L-glutamine, L-arginine, sorbitol, D-glucose, ascorbic acid, and ornithine and the down-regulation of D-xylose, D-arabitol, ribitol, and oleic acid in the melatonin versus the control group. In conclusion, acute administration of melatonin (10 mg IV) enhanced testicular artery blood flow and plasma reproductive hormones in the Shiba goat under heat-stress circumstances.

Gold nanoparticle intratesticular injections as a potential animal sterilization tool: Long-term reproductive and toxicological implications

This study aimed to evaluate the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) animal sterilizing potential after intratesticular injections and long-term adverse reproductive and systemic effects. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into control and gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) groups. The rats received 200 µL of saline or AuNPs solution (16 µg/mL) on experimental days 1 and 7 (ED1 and ED7). After 150 days, the testicular blood flow was measured, and the rats were mated with females. After mating, male animals were euthanized for histological, cellular, and molecular evaluations. The female fertility indices and fetal development were also recorded. The results indicated increased blood flow in the testes of treated animals. Testes from treated rats had histological abnormalities, shorter seminiferous epithelia, and oxidative stress. Although the sperm concentration was lower in the AuNP-treated rats, there were no alterations in sperm morphology. Animals exposed to AuNPs had decreased male fertility indices, and their offspring had lighter and less efficient placentas. Additionally, the anogenital distance was longer in female fetuses. There were no changes in the histology of the kidney and liver, the lipid profile, and the serum levels of LH, testosterone, AST, ALT, ALP, albumin, and creatinine. The primary systemic effect was an increase in MDA levels in the liver and kidney, with only the liver experiencing an increase in CAT activity. In conclusion, AuNPs have a long-term impact on reproduction with very slight alterations in animal health. The development of reproductive biotechnologies that eliminate germ cells or treat local cancers can benefit from using AuNPs.

Comparison of conventional Doppler imaging techniques and superb microvascular imaging in determination of vascularization in undescended testes.

Our aim was to gain an idea about testicular injury by comparing the reduced volume, which is one of the indirect indicators of testicular damage in undescended testes, and by evaluating the reduced microvascular blood flow by superb microvascular imaging, and also to determine whether superb microvascular imaging modes could detect microvascular blood flow in more detail in the decreased volume of undescended testes. We compared testicular blood flow in undescended testes via conventional Doppler imaging, color superb microvascular imaging, and monochrome superb microvascular imaging techniques with contralateral normally located testis and normal control group. Each sample of testicular tissue was evaluated using a qualitative method. Spot color encoding and linear flow color encoding counts determined in testicular parenchyma were counted separately and expressed as numerical data. The localization of the examined testes in the grayscale was noted (proximal inguinal canal, medial inguinal canal, distal inguinal canal, and scrotal). The volume of undescended testes was calculated automatically via a formula for volume. Monochrome superb microvascular imaging is significantly superior in visualizing the vascularity of undescended testes compared with color Doppler, power Doppler and color superb microvascular imaging (p = 0.001). Also, undescended testes have a significantly lower blood flow compared with contralateral normal testes (p = 0.001). The volume of undescended testes was significantly lower than the contralateral normal testes. The volume, structure and blood flow are indirect signs of testicular damage in undescended testes. Monochrome superb microvascular imaging can detect vascularity in undescended testes better than the conventional Doppler imaging technique and color superb microvascular imaging. Based on our findings, we can report that monochrome superb microvascular imaging can be used to evaluate testicular injury and vascularity of undescended testes.

Immunoglobulin a vasculitis with testicular/epididymal involvement in children: A retrospective study of a ten-year period.

The clinical characteristics and risk factors for testicular/epididymal involvement in 73 children with immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) who were admitted to our hospital between January 2012 and November 2022 were reviewed. The demographic data, laboratory parameters, and follow-up data of the patients were compared to those of 146 males without testicular/epididymal involvement. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the variables associated with testicular/epididymal involvement. The prevalence of testicular/epididymal involvement among male patients with IgAV was 1.3% (73/5,556). Increased blood flow in the testes and/or epididymis on ultrasound was found in 71 patients. The remaining two patients underwent surgical exploration for loss or reduction of testicular blood flow. One patient underwent orchiectomy for intraoperative confirmation of complete right testicular infarction. Pathological findings revealed IgA immune complex deposition in the testis. Patient age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.792; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.682-0.919, p = 0.002), platelet count (OR = 1.011; 95% CI: 1.002-1.020, p = 0.013), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels (OR = 0.236; 95% CI: 0.091-0.608, p = 0.003) were strongly associated with the occurrence of testicular/epididymal involvement in IgAV. Therefore, young age, increased platelet count, and low IgM levels in patients with IgAV are potential risk factors for testicular/epididymal involvement. Doppler ultrasound can help differentiate IgAV from acute scrotum. Most patients with testicular/epididymal involvement have good prognoses, although serious complications such as testicular infarction may occur.

Seasonal Alterations in Testicular Hemodynamics and Echotexture in Relation to Semen Quality in Buffalo Bulls

The present study is aimed at investigating the usefulness of the pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography for the characterization of testicular blood flow in buffaloes during the nonbreeding and breeding seasons. Ten Egyptian buffalo bulls were evaluated for changes in the blood flow (Doppler’s indices: resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI)) at the levels of supratesticular (STA) during the breeding (winter) and nonbreeding season (summer). The alterations in testicular parenchyma echotexture (pixel intensity (PIX) and echotexture heterogeneity (EH)) were assessed by computer analysis software. Circulating testosterone and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured colorimetrically. Sperm parameters including total and progressive motility %, viability %, morphology %, and concentrations were assessed. Results revealed lower values ( p &lt; 0.05 ) of RI ( 0.55 ± 0.02 ) and PI ( 0.82 ± 0.03 ) within the STA in the breeding period compared to the nonbreeding period (RI: 0.67 ± 0.03 ; PI: 0.99 ± 0.01 ). Higher ( p &lt; 0.05 ) PIX and EH were found in the nonbreeding season (PIX: 72.09 ± 1.81 ; EH: 14.99 ± 1.37 ) compared to the breeding season (PIX: 60.95 ± 1.51 ; EH: 11.75 ± 0.63 ). Concentrations of testosterone and TAC were not significantly changed. However, the concentrations of NO were greater ( p &lt; 0.05 ) during the breeding season ( 78.21 ± 0.87 ) compared to those of the nonbreeding one ( 59.74 ± 2.97 ). Total motility %, progressive motility %, viability %, and sperm concentrations were higher during the breeding season compared to that during the nonbreeding season ( p &lt; 0.05 ). In conclusion, seasonality alters testicular hemodynamics and echotexture, NO concentrations, and sperm quality in buffaloes without alterations in the testosterone and TAC levels.

The beneficial effects of enriched diet on testicular blood flow and seminal parameters using colour and pulsed Doppler ultrasound in dogs

Maintenance of the reproductive fitness quality in dogs is a field of interest in animal practice. Therefore, this study was conducted for the first time to predict the response of sub-fertile dogs to vitamin and mineral supplementation by evaluating testicular haemodynamics and measuring the changes in peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), resistance index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI). Dogs were categorised into three groups (15 in each group): control, vehicle group and supplemented group. Semen evaluation, blood sampling and Doppler were performed on days (D) 0, 30, 60, and 90. In the sub-fertile dogs, semen volume increased from D0 to D90, and Doppler indices correlated negatively (P≤0.05) with testicular blood velocities, nitric oxide metabolites (NO), testosterone levels, scrotal circumference, testicular volume, and testicular coloured area. Doppler indices decreased (P≤0.05) in the hypospermic males from D0 to D90 compared to the normal values. The supplementation improved significantly blood flow by elevating the testicular colouration and decreasing both Doppler indices as the increase in testicular coloured pixels in the supplemented males may be accompanied by an increase in testicular volume, testosterone, and nitric oxide levels.

The Role of Demographic and Clinical Characteristics in Distinguishing Testicular Torsion from Torsion of the Appendix Testis: A Single-center Retrospective Study.

The acute scrotum (AS) in the pediatric population is a medical emergency. AS is usually caused by testicular torsion (TT) and torsion of the appendix testis (TAT). The current study explored which demographic and clinical characteristics can help distinguish between TT and TAT. We analyzed all children ≤16 years who underwent surgical exploration for AS. The patients were divided into Group 1/TT and Group 2/TAT. Ninety patients were included in the study (24 with TT and 66 with TAT). The peak incidence of TT was significantly higher than in the TAT group (p&lt;0.001). Scrotal pain was more prevalent in the TAT group (p=0.02), whereas systemic signs (nausea/vomiting and abdominal pain) affected more frequently the TT patients (p=0.003 and p&lt;0.001, respectively). The duration of symptoms was significantly longer in the TAT group (p&lt;0.001). The duration of symptoms in the TT cohort significantly impacted the testicular salvage (p=0.008). Color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) findings of absent/decreased testicular blood flow in the affected testis strongly favored the diagnosis of TT (p&lt;0.001). The older age, shorter duration of symptoms, systemic signs, and CDUS findings can help distinguish between the two most common acute scrotum causes.

Реактивные изменения эндокриноцитов яичка при гипогонадизме и его заместительной терапии в эксперименте

This study is devoted to the morphofunctional substantiation of the model of male hypogonadism and the establishment of the effectiveness of its substitution therapy using morphological methods. There were 6 groups of adult male rats (4 individuals in each) studied. Four groups of rats were experimental. Under anesthesia, the left and right spermatic cords with the vascular bundle were tied with a temporary ligature, inducing hypogonadism. In the first two experimental groups of rats, the ligature was applied for 30 and 60 minutes (respectively). Animals of the other two experimental groups received substitution therapy by introducing kisspeptin K6. Animals of the third experimental group began to receive kisspeptin a few minutes after restoration of testicular blood flow (ex tempore), and the rats of the fourth group — after 3 days. The duration of substitution therapy was 7 days. In the right and left histological sections of the testis (n = 8), the number of viable and dying interstitial endocrine cells was counted (under the control of the ongoing immunohistochemical reaction with caspase 3), the percentage of these cell types from their total number was calculated, and the area of viable endocrinocytes was determined. The significance of differences in the median, upper and lower quartiles of the compared parameters was determined using the nonparametric Mann–Whitney test. It has been established that the modeling of male hypogonadism by applying a double-sided ligature to the vessels of the spermatic cord for 60 minutes and experiencing it by the animals for the next 10 days induces pronounced reactive changes and death of some interstitial cells, inhibition and cessation of spermatogenesis. Kisspeptin KS6, administered ex tempore and regularly after acute ischemia, has a protective effect on interstitial endocrinocytes, including anti-apoptotic, restoring spermatogenesis, probably through activation of the central links of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis

Clinical risk factors for testicular torsion and a warning against falsely reassuring ultrasound scans: a 10-year single-centre experience

BackgroundWe sought to determine which demographic, clinical and ultrasonography characteristics are predictive of testicular torsion (TT) and to determine factors associated with time to treatment.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all medical records...

Asinara male donkey (Equus africanus asinus var. Albina) and stallion (Equus ferus caballus) reproductive characteristics: Correlations between testicular blood supply and sperm production

The Asinara donkey is a rare small albino variety of feral donkey listed as "critical" by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and by the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS) in 2022. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the reproductive characteristics of healthy male Asinara donkeys through andrological evaluation and testicular echo-color-Doppler examination to assess correlations between testicular blood supply and sperm production and to compare it with horse reproductive characteristics. Eight healthy donkeys and stallions were subjected to semen collection and evaluation, ultrasound and Doppler evaluation of the testicles and serum testosterone determination. The testosterone concentrations in donkeys were 1.42 ± 0.69 ng/ml while in horses were 1.90 ± 0.63 ng/ml within the normal values reported in these species. Horses had greater mean and total testicular volume, semen gel-free volume, and total sperm number than donkeys (P < 0.001). Blood flow analysis of the testicular artery in both locations was a relatively simple procedure. The waveforms recorded in a convoluted location (-con) of the testicular artery were characteristic of the high-resistance vessel, while in the marginal location (-marg) were of low-resistance. It was also recorded a gradual decrease in peak systolic velocity (PSV), resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), mean velocity (MV) and testicular arterial blood flow (TABF) values along the peripheral course of the testicular artery. Therefore, donkeys had greater PSV-con (P ≤ 0.01), PSV-marg (P < 0.01), MV-con (P < 0.001), MV-marg (P < 0.01), testicular arterial blood flow rate (TABFr-con) (P < 0.001) and TABFr-marg (P < 0.01) than horses. Conversely, pulsatility index (PI-con) was higher in horses (P < 0.05). The comparative analysis between the Doppler parameters and the reproductive/seminal characteristics showed a positive correlation of TTBF-con with Testosterone (ρ = 0.976, p < 0.01 and ρ = 0.905, p < 0.01 in donkeys and horses, respectively), with Total Testicular Volume (ρ = 0.952, p < 0.01 and ρ = 1.000, p < 0.01 in donkeys and horses, respectively), and with Total spermatozoa concentration (ρ = 0.905, p < 0.01 and ρ = 0.813, p < 0.05 in donkeys and horses, respectively). Additionally, only in the donkey there was a positive correlation with Semen gel free volume (ρ = 0.881, p < 0.01) and Spermatozoa concentration × ml (ρ = 0.786, p < 0.05). The testosterone concentration was positively correlated in both species with Total testicular volume (ρ = 0.976, p < 0.01 and ρ = 0.905, p < 0.01 in donkeys and horses, respectively) and Total sperm concentration (ρ = 0.881, p < 0.01 and ρ = 0.976, p < 0.01 in donkeys and horses, respectively). It was also correlated positively with Semen gel free volume (ρ = 0.857, p < 0.01) and spermatozoa concentration (ρ = 0.762, p < 0.05) in donkeys. Finally, the PI-con (ρ = − 0.786, p < 0.05) was negatively correlated with Semen gel free volume in the donkeys. The results of this study show that Total Testicular Blood Flow is the parameter, together with testosterone, most positively correlated with testicular volume and total sperm concentration in both species. Furthermore, differences in both reproductive and testicular hemodynamic characteristics between the Asinara donkey and stallion are highlighted, suggesting that caution should be taken in transferring knowledge from one species to another. New data on reproductive aspects, seminal characteristics, testicular blood flow perfusion in healthy Asinara donkeys were reported and these may represent reference value for further research or clinical applications.

Effect of xylazine sedation on testicular blood flow, testicular echotexture, and circulating hormones in Shiba goats.

Under field conditions, sedation may be required for a full assessment of the reproductive potential of farm animals. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of xylazine sedation on testicular hemodynamics (TBF), echotexture, testicular volume (TV), and circulating hormones in goats. Sixteen male Shiba goats were sedated using the recommended dose of xylazine (0.05mg/Kg BW). Testicular hemodynamics were evaluated using color-pulsed Doppler ultrasonography before and after sedation. Echotexture of the testicular parenchyma and TV were assessed using computerized image analysis. Concentrations of testosterone, estradiol (E2), inhibin, cortisol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured using radioimmunoassay. There were no effects of xylazine sedation in TBF, TV, testicular parenchyma parameters, and concentrations oftestosterone, inhibin, FSH, and LH (P ˃ 0.05). However, after sedation, there was significantly (P ˂ 0.05) lower cortisol and E2 concentration (42.88 ± 6.79 ng/ml and 2.47 ± 0.58 pg/ml, respectively) than before sedation (94.89 ± 13.74 ng/ml and 8.65 ± 1.79 pg/ml, respectively). The required time to perform thefull scanning of the testis was significantly lower (8.50 ± 0.38min) after xylazine sedation compared to the non-sedated goats (25.75 ± 1.14min). In conclusion, xylazine sedation may be practically recommended for the evaluation of TBF in goats because it did not significantly alter velocities parameters and Doppler indices of blood flow within the testicular arteries. Most plasma hormones did not significantly change; however, E2 and cortisol were significantly reduced after xylazine administration.

Testicular ultrasound examination and hemodynamics of patients with azoospermia

The most difficult form of male infertility to treat is azoospermia. Azoospermia is defined as the complete absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate. The age of the patients who underwent clinical and diagnostic studies varied between 22 and 45 years. Among 119 examined patients with azoospermia, 58.0% were diagnosed with secretory infertility. In 42.0% patients, the presence of spermatogenesis in excretory-obturational infertility was established. Among 69 patients with secretory infertility, 23 had azoospermia in the absence of spermatozoa and spermatogenic cells, which accounted for 33.3% of all patients with secretory infertility (in particular, 2 with leukocytospermia, which indicated damage to the tubular apparatus as a result of previous orchitis). In 66.6% patients, azoospermia was observed in the absence of spermatozoa, but in the presence of precursor cells of spermatogenesis. 11.5% patients out of 69 (group 1) were diagnosed with concomitant diseases. We see that arterial hypertension, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and kidneys occur. Hereditary diseases were not detected in the examined patients. Pain of varying intensity was found in 6.7% of patients, varying degrees of testicular hypoplasia were found in 7.6%, dysuria in 13.4%, epididymitis in history 8.4%; history of epidemic mumps 6.7%; 12.6% had depression, restlessness, sleep disorders, and 21.0% had erectile dysfunction. According to clinical examination and ultrasound, chronic prostatitis is suspected in 19.2% of patients. An increase in the number of leukocytes in the blood was found in 13.2% patients. According to ultrasound, 60.5% of the patients with azoospermia had normal testicular sizes, and 39.5% had reduced testes. The volume of the testicles in the control group was 22.3 ± 2.1 cm³ on average, varying from 18.3 to 25.1 cm³. In the group with azoospermia, the volume of the testicles was on average 16.7 ± 1.7 cm³ and varied from 8.2 to 21.1 cm³, that is, the volume of the testicles in patients with azoospermia was on average 1.3 times smaller compared to normozoospermia. In the obstructive form of azoospermia, diffuse changes were detected in both testicles, probably obturational changes. Hypoplasia of the left testicle and increased echogenicity were observed in the non-obstructive form of azoospermia. The veins of the spermatic cord were moderately dilated. There was a normal amount of free fluid in the scrotum. According to elastography, the elasticity of the testicles was above normal. Obturational processes in the testicles were suspected. The hemodynamic parameters of testicular parenchymal blood flow in infertile men obtained by ultrasound dopplerography are of important diagnostic value. The average value of the linear blood flow velocity in the arteries of the parenchyma in men with normozoospermia was 0.107 ± 0.015 m/s on the right, and 0.103 ± 0.012 m/s on the left. With azoospermia, the average value of the linear velocity of blood flow on the right was 0.086 ± 0.012 m/s, and on the left – 0.084 ± 0.008 m/s. Thus, the hemodynamic indicators of the scrotum show that the most pronounced changes are found in men with azoospermia in the absence of spermatogenesis.

Intramuscular administration of l-arginine boosts testicular hemodynamics, plasma concentrations of testosterone and nitric oxide in heat-stressed rams

The current study aimed to assess, for the first time, the effects of intramuscular injection of l-arginine (L-arg) on testicular hemodynamics, echogenicity, and plasma concentrations of testosterone, total antioxidant capacity, and nitric oxide (NO) in Ossimi rams. Twelve sexually matured heat-stressed rams were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the L-arg group (n = 6) received 5 mg/kg L-arg dissolved in 2 ml normal saline 0.9%, or the control group (n = 6) received merely 2 ml of normal saline 0.9%. Blood sampling, B-mode ultrasound assessment of the testicular parenchyma, and pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound of the testicular artery for both right and left testis were performed immediately before 0 min and 1, 4, 24, 48, 72, and 168 h after L-arg or saline administration. In the L-arg group, resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) means were significantly lower compared to the control group at 4–168 h post-treatment. Plasma testosterone concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) at 4 h and onward in the L-arg treated compared to the control rams, the same for NO levels however its increase (P < 0.05) was observed as soon as 1 h post-treatment. In L-arg treated rams, NO concentrations were positively correlated to plasma testosterone concentrations (r = 0.7, p < .01), but negatively correlated to both RI and PI (r = −0.8 and −0.6, respectively, p < .01). In conclusion, l-arginine administration enhanced testicular blood flow and increased plasma testosterone and nitric oxide concentrations in heat-stressed rams.

Changes in testicular arterial hemodynamic, gonadotropin levels, and semen parameters among varicocele patients randomized to varicocelectomy or observed in Tamale, Ghana.

A randomized trial to compared testicular blood flow parameters, gonadal hormones, and semen characteristics among three groups; surgery group (n = 127); observed group (n = 114); and healthy controls (n = 33). The blood flow parameter selected was resistive index (RI) measured using color Doppler ultrasonography. Serum total testosterone, FSH, LH were measured, and semen analysis performed at baseline and repeated 12 months of follow-up. The data was computed using GraphPad Prism (v8.0) at an alpha of 0.05. In the observed group, increased +0.0060 in the right (R_RI) and in the left (L_RI) +0.0026 capsular arteries from baseline measurement to 12 months follow-up. Surgery group, reduced -0.079 in the right (R_RI) and -0.0731 in the left (L_RI) capsular arteries (p < 0.0001). At 12 months, the changes for both left and right RIcap in the surgery group did not reach the values of the controls. In the surgery group, L_RIcap (r = -0.63; p < 0.0001) and R_RIcap (r = -0.49; p = 0.004) correlated with total testosterone, FSH (r = 0.57; p = 0.001 for left; r = 0.52; p = 0.002 for right), and LH (r = 0.61; p = 0.0002 for left; r = 0.41; p = 0.020 for right). Furthermore, L_RIcap correlated with changes in sperm count (r = -0.46; p = 0.008) and sperm concentration (r = -0.35; p = 0.011) in the surgery group. Microsurgical sub-inguinal varicocelectomy improves blood supply to the testicular tissues evidenced by reduced resistive index in the surgery group. Resistive index in the left capsular artery can be used to evaluate the success of surgery because it correlates with total testosterone, FSH, LH, and semen quality.

The diagnostic value of ultrasound in pediatric testicular torsion with preserved flow.

BackgroundTesticular torsion is the reduction of blood flow to the testis after spermatic cord torsion. For patients, the diagnosis of testicular torsion is controversial and complicated by the fact that ultrasound blood flow signals are not significantly reduced in comparison to the unaffected, healthy, testis, despite persistent symptoms on the affected side. Our study aims to investigate the diagnostic characteristics of high-resolution ultrasonography (US) in pediatric testicular torsion with the preserved flow to increase diagnostic accuracy.MethodsSeven pediatric patients aged 49 days to 15 years old, with the preserved blood flow, but surgically diagnosed as testicular torsion, from October 2017 to August 2019, were retrospectively included in the study. The imaging manifestations of high-frequency ultrasonography were evaluated.ResultsAll cases had preserved testicular blood flow, but the surgical findings showed various degrees of twist, from 90 to 540 degrees. Preoperative ultrasound showed spermatic cord distortion in all cases, and testicular long axis tilting in four cases (4/7 = 57.1%).ConclusionIn some testicular torsion cases, Color Doppler may show normal or increased blood flow signals in the testis. We should further observe the morphology and position of the testes and epididymides, the echo of the testicular parenchyma, and, especially evaluate the “whirlpool sign” in the spermatic cord, to avoid missing testicular torsion with blood flow signals.

Effects of a single dose of long-acting FSH on testicular blood flow, testicular echotexture, and circulating testosterone, estradiol, and nitric oxide in rams during the non-breeding season

The present study investigated the effect of a single administration of long-acting follicle simulation hormone (FSH) on testicular blood perfusion as measured by pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography, testicular echotexture, and circulating testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and nitric oxide (NO) in the plasma of rams in the non-breeding season. Twelve Ossimi rams were subjected to either a single administration of long-acting FSH subcutaneously (FSH group; n=6) or the vehicle (control group; n=6). Assessment of testicular hemodynamics at the level of the supratesticular artery was performed just before administration (0 h), and at 4, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 168 h after FSH or the vehicle administrations. Testicular volume (TV), and echotexture of testicular parenchyma including pixel intensity and heterogeneity were derived by the computer analysis software. Concentrations of T, E2, and NO were measured using commercial kits. Results revealed significant decreases (P ˂ 0.05) in the values of Doppler indices (resistive index: RI and pulsatility index: PI), especially at 48 h after administration of FSH (RI: 0.42 ± 0.02, PI: 0.56 ± 0.04) compared to their values in the control group (RI: 0.54 ± 0.03, PI: 0.77 ± 0.04). FSH administration induced significant decreases (P ˂ 0.05) in the pixel intensity of testicular parenchyma. Testicular volume and T concentrations were not significantly changed (P ˃ 0.05). Concentrations of E2 increased significantly (P ˂ 0.05) at 48 h and 72 h after FSH administration. (30.07 ± 5.23 pg/ml, 29.93 ± 1.44 pg/ml, respectively) compared to their values before FSH administration (14.63 ± 1.37 pg/ml). Concentrations of NO increased significantly (P ˂ 0.05) in the FSH group between 4 h to 48 h compared to the values in the control one. In conclusion, a single administration of long-acting FSH enhanced testicular blood perfusion as measured by pulsed Doppler ultrasonography in rams during the non-breeding season. Concurrently, significant increases in the concentrations of E2 and NO were found.