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

Abstract

Objective 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. Material and methods 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 in¯amma-tory changes. Results The diameter of the obstructed right testis and MSTD were signi®cantly 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 signi®cantly more common in group 3. The contralateral testis diameter and MSTD of group 3 was signi®cantly greater only in prepubertal rats.Statistically signi®cant 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 signi®cant criterion of obstruction in adult rats. Conclusion 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 re¯ect the early effects of vas ligation on spermatogenesis in adulthood.

The Use of Microbial Biotechnology in Value Addition to Cassava Wastes as Feed for Pigs: Prospects and Challenges

“…The vacuolization of the seminiferous tubule may be as a result of toxigenic nature of residual cyanide in MFCP that could probably engender reduced fertility. This is similar to the vacuolization and degeneration of seminiferous tubule observed in rat due to obstruction or dysfunction of epididymis [29] [30] causing abnormal fluid reabsorption.…”

Effects of laparoscopic division of spermatic vessels on histological changes of testes: long-term observation in the model of prepubertal rat

“…On observation of paraffin sections within a relatively short period (18-60 days), some authors noted that ligation of spermatic vessels could produce varying degrees of injury of the operated testicle, but did not affect contralateral spermatogenesis [21][22][23]. However, based on the perfusion fixation and observation of the semithin sections, the present study found that from day 45 postoperatively, impaired spermatogenesis of contrallateral testes occurred when the SVCD testes showed atrophy, which might result in fertility due to mild disturbed spermatogenesis in postpuberty (45-180 days postoperative) or might result in subfertility or infertility owing to significantly impaired spermatogenesis (Sertoli cell only tubules) in middle age (360-540 days postoperative).…”

“…Care was provided in accordance with the guidelines published in the 1984 Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (National Institutes of Health, publication no. 85- 23,1985).…”

Subsequent alterations in the contractile property of the vas deferens according to duration of spermatic cord torsion

“…Experimental studies evaluating the influence of local trauma on the vas deferens with manipulations or extensive mobilizations demonstrated significant damage, which may contribute to infertility in animal models (6,7).…”

“…The diminished fertility in unilateral testicular torsion might be attributed to the proven secondary effects of torsioned ipsilateral testis to the contralateral side. Most of these insults are observed to be time dependent and require long periods in order to exert biochemical and autoimmune effects (5)(6)(7). Additionally, some studies have suggested that a reflexive vasospasm preceded by sympathetic activation is another important factor resulting in contralateral testicular damage in unilateral spermatic cord torsion (8)(9)(10).…”