The effects of vasectomy on testicular volume

Testicular volumes of 15 subjects who had at least 2 living children were estimated by caliper measurements before and after vasectomy to determine whether any change in testicular volume occurs following vasectomy. The testicular volumes were calculated using the formula of Macomber and Sanders. The sizes of the testicles ranged from 3.1 ml in a patient who had had mumps at 5 years to 28.6 ml. The mean preoperative testicular volume was 17.9 +or- 4.9 ml. Comparison of the testicular volumes by the t-test before operation and at 5 days, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year postoperation showed no difference at the .05 level of significance.     

Effects of melatonin on spermatogenesis and testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury after unilateral testicular torsion-detorsion

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the effect of melatonin in preventing ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury-induced tissue damage and on spermatogenesis after experimental testicular torsion (TT).

Methods

Forty peripubertal rats were divided into 4 groups each containing 10 rats: control (C), sham (S), torsion plus detorsion (TD), and torsion plus melatonin (M). The left testes were rotated 720° for 6 hours and detorsed for 6 hours thereafter. Serum inhibin B (IB) levels were measured in blood samples taken from all groups. Left orchiectomies were performed to determine the tissue levels of Johnsen's scores (JS) and malondialdehyde (MDA).

Results

Serum IB levels in the S and TD groups were significantly lower compared with that in the C group, whereas they were higher in the M group compared with the TD group. The MDA levels were significantly lower in the C, S, and, M groups compared with the TD group. Johnsen's scores were significantly higher in the C, S, and M groups compared with the TD group.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that melatonin is a potent antioxidant agent in preventing testicular I-R injury, as shown by increased IB levels and JS.     

Effect of vasectomy via inguinal canal on spermatogenesis in rabbits

Aim： To determine whether vasectomy away from the epididymal tail （via the inguinal canal） in rabbits can reduce the early postoperative effects on spermatogenesis. Methods： Twenty-nine normal male Japanese white rabbits （aged 4- 6 months） were subjected to unilateral close-ended （conventional） or open-ended （the cut end of the juxta-epididymal vas deferens not ligated） vasectomy via the inguinal canal. Ten days and 3 months after operation, testes, epididymides and vasa deferentia were removed and methacrylate resin-embedded sections prepared. The histology of the testis, epididymis and vas deferens was examined under light microscope, and the volume and diameter of the seminiferous tubules were quantitatively studied using stereological methods. Results： Neither of the methods of vasectomy led to apparent damage to spermatogenesis on the vasectomized side in comparison with the contralateral shamoperated side, but the juxta-epididymal vas deferens on the vasectomized side was highly distended and contained numerous sperm 3 months after operation. Conclusion： Vasectomy away from the cauda epididymis has no significant early postoperative effects on spermatogenesis in rabbits.     

Intratesticular pressure after testicular torsion as a predictor of subsequent spermatogenesis: a rat model

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Testicular torsion results in atrophy rates of more than 25% despite prompt surgical management, and there is no reliable intraoperative critieria to judge the viability of the testis, except the testicular appearance after scrotal incision. We demonstrated that less reduction of ITP after detorsion correlated with worse subsequent spermatogenesis. This result suggests that ITP can be the index to determine removal of the affected testis during surgery.

OBJECTIVE

? To assess the correlation between intratesticular pressure (ITP) after testicular torsion and subsequent testicular function using a rat model and to show that ITP at surgery is a useful predictor of future spermatogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

? Fourteen rats were divided into a torsion group (n= 7) and a control group with sham operation (n= 7). ? Torsion was created by 720° rotation of the left testis in a counter‐clockwise direction. ? Using a handheld compartment monitor, the ITP of the torsed testes was measured three times: before torsion (pre‐torsion), just before torsion repair (pre‐detorsion) and 5 min after torsion repair (post‐detorsion). ? We evaluated the correlation between ITP and testicular weight, epididymal sperm count or pathological findings, such as the seminiferous tubule diameter (STD) and the modified Johnsen’s score, 4 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

? Mean (se) pre‐torsion, pre‐detorsion and post‐detorsion ITP values in the torsion group were 5.9 (2.5), 19.7 (10.7) and 8.2 (4.8) cm H₂O, respectively. ? The ITP in torsed testes significantly increased after torsion (P < 0.01) and decreased after detorsion (P < 0.01). ? Strong correlations were observed between the reduction of ITP after detorsion and testicular weight (r= 0.87, P < 0.05), epididymal sperm count (r= 0.94, P < 0.05), STD (r= 0.87, P < 0.05) or the Johnsen’s score (r= 0.99, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

? A smaller reduction in ITP after detorsion can be a risk factor for subsequent disturbance of spermatogenesis, suggesting that ITP can be an index for determining whether the affected testis should be removed after testicular torsion.     

Anti-adhesion agent to prevent of post-operative adhesion and fibrosis after vasectomy: a study using a rat model

BackgroundPost-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS) is difficult to treat. Direct damage to the vas deferens, inflammation, compression of nerves through fibrotic adhesions, and congestion of the epididymis are known to cause PVPS. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the application of anti-adhesion agents after vasectomy can reduce the degree of adhesion and fibrosis in a rat model.MethodsIn the study, 11 Sprague-Dawley rats (22 vas deferens) from each group were evaluated. In the experimental group, surgery was terminated after applying the anti-adhesion agent; this was not applied in the control group. After 14 days of vasectomy, the scrotum was dissected to evaluate the degree of gross adhesion at the vasectomy site. Histological examination of the surrounding tissues, including the vas deferens and the spermatic cord, was also performed.ResultsAdhesions were not observed in 72.73% (16/22) rats from the experimental group, in which the anti-adhesion agent was applied; in contrast, the incidence of adhesions in the control group was 100%. There was a statistically significant relationship between the distribution of grades for adhesion and anti-adhesion agent (chi-square, P<0.001). On classification of fibrosis and inflammation, application of the anti-adhesion agent was significantly associated with lower grade inflammation and fibrosis compared to that of the control group (chi-square, P=0.001). The rate of intact muscle structure was 90.91% (20/22) in the experimental group, and 36.36% (8/22) in the control group, and the application of the anti-adhesion agent demonstrated significant association with preservation of intact muscle structure (chi-square, P<0.001).ConclusionsThe application of an anti-adhesion agent after vasectomy prevented the development of adhesion, fibrosis, and inflammation reaction and further reduced structural destruction.     

Long-term effect of vasectomy on spermatogenesis in men: a morphometric study

Spermatogenic damage may occur after vasectomy, and the damage is pressure mediated, occurring when the occluded reproductive tract is unable to accommodate additional sperm produced by the testis. This study aimed to determine the long-term effect of vasectomy on spermatogenesis in humans and clarify how the balance between sperm production in the testis and sperm storage in or removal from the tract might be maintained. During inguinal hernia repair, an open biopsy was performed to obtain testicular tissue blocks from 51 Chinese men (aged ≥50 years), of whom 25 (control group) had not undergone vasectomy and 26 (vasectomized group) had undergone bilateral vasectomy 22–42 years before. Methacrylate resin-embedded testicular sections were made, and morphometric studies were performed using light microscopy. In addition, sizes of the testis and epididymis were estimated with ultrasonography. The testicular tissue blocks obtained from one control and seven vasectomized men consisted almost completely of connective tissue. In the other 43 men, significant differences were not found between the two groups in the testicular or epididymal size, qualitative histology or quantitative parameters including the mean diameter or volume fraction of the seminiferous tubules. In conclusion, sperm production and sperm storage/removal reached a static equilibrium after vasectomy, likely due to spermatogenic degeneration or less sperm production as a result of aging or due to vasectomy-induced testicular (interstitial) fibrosis. Thus, complications that might occur in association with overproduction of sperm and distension of the tract would disappear or be relieved with time.     

Repeated interruptions of the testicular blood flow do not have long-term effects on spermatogenesis in the ram

Summary. The effect of repeated interruptions of the testicular blood flow on spermatogenesis was studied in mature Texel rams. Reversible interruption of the blood flow was achieved by an inflatable occluder, placed around the testicular artery at the level of the spermatic cord. In eight testes the blood flow was successfully interrupted six times for 1 h within 3 weeks and in 14 testes nine times for 1 h within 3 weeks. Nine weeks after the last blood flow interruption spermatogenesis was evaluated in histological sections of the testes. Both after six and nine blood flow interruptions a qualitatively complete epithelium was found in at least 90% of the seminiferous tubules. Cell counts in stages VII and VIII of the spermatogenic cycle revealed a slight decrease of spermatocytes and spermatids in the tubules with a complete epithelium after nine occlusions, which was only statistically significant for Preleptotene Spermatocytes. After six occlusions the numbers of all cell types were at or even slightly above control levels. These results show that repeated periods of ischaemia for 1 h do not result in conspicious long-term damage to spermatogenesis.     

Oligotriche and quaking gene mutations. Phenotypic effects on mouse spermatogenesis and testicular steroidogenesis.

The phenotypic actions of the oligotriche gene mutation on testicular function have not been elucidated, although it is known that male mice homozygous for the mutation are infertile. In the present study, the effect of the oligotriche gene mutation on mouse testicular function was analyzed by comparing normal and mutant mice. Spermatogenesis was analyzed by enumerating germ cells in seminiferous tubules at specific stages of spermatogenesis and by electron microscopy. Steroidogenic potential was estimated by radioimmunometric determination of testosterone secreted by testes perfused in vitro. Parallel studies were completed for male mice homozygous for the quaking gene mutation, a mutation known to cause male mouse sterility by disrupting sperm tail development. The experimental results suggest that the oligotriche and quaking gene mutations interfere with sperm tail formation by different mechanisms. Testicular steroidogenesis was not affected by either gene mutation. The results provide the first evidence that the oligotriche gene mutation induces male mouse sterility by effecting the complete absence of a sperm tail. This phenotypic action is different from that of the quaking gene mutation.     

Angiotensin II improves random-flap viability in a rat model

Angiotensin II (AII) is a naturally occurring peptide that has been shown to be angiogenic, cause the proliferation of several primary cell types (including endothelial cells), accelerate the repair of dermal injuries, and increase production of growth factors and extracellular matrix. The effect of a single administration of AII on the viability and vascularity of a random flap was assessed in a rat model. In the control model, the viability of the distal portion of the flap was reduced consistently by postoperative day 8. Initially, AII was administered in an aqueous vehicle (phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]) and a viscous vehicle (10% carboxymethyl cellulose [CMC]). Administration of 1 mg per milliliter AII in PBS did not affect the viability of random flaps (1.2 x 7 cm) in this animal model. However, a single administration of a higher dose of AII in PBS (10 mg per milliliter) or 1 mg per milliliter AII in the CMC vehicle resulted in 67% of the grafts being fully viable at postsurgical day 12, in contrast to vehicle-treated control flaps, none of which were fully viable at day 12. Furthermore, the portion of the flap that was viable was increased significantly (p < or = 0.05). Subsequently, a study was conducted to assess the dose-response curve for AII in a CMC vehicle in this rat model. As the dose of AII was reduced, the percentage of animals with fully viable flaps and the percentage of the flap that was viable decreased correspondingly. Administration of 0.03 mg per milliliter AII and greater increased significantly (p < or = 0.05) the viability of the flaps. In conclusion, AII appears to be highly efficacious in increasing the percentage of distal flap surface area survival when administered as a single topical dose to the wound bed.     

低温联合地塞米松对大鼠睾丸扭转复位后ICAM1表达的影响及生精功能的保护作用

目的:探讨低温联合地塞米松对大鼠睾丸扭转复位后的生精功能的保护作用,以及对细胞间粘附分子1(ICAM1)表达的影响。方法:将100只青春期的雄性SD大鼠(体重140~160 g)随机分为4组,每组25只。4组大鼠分别扭转左侧睾丸720°2 h,建立单侧睾丸扭转动物模型,各组做如下处理,A组:常温+生理盐水;B组:低温+生理盐水;C组:常温+地塞米松;D组:低温+地塞米松;术后48 h采集睾丸,通过HE染色光镜观察睾丸组织病理学改变、TUNEL法检测睾丸生精细胞的凋亡、Western印迹检测ICAM1的表达。结果:HE染色光镜下见4组大鼠扭转侧睾丸组织均有不同程度损伤,其中A组睾丸损伤最为明显,其余3组扭转侧睾丸得到不同程度保护;睾丸组织ICAM1 Western印迹检测结果:A组扭转侧(左侧)睾丸组织ICAM1蛋白表达量(0.68±0.03)高于B组(0.49±0.06)、C组(0.46±0.09)、D组(0.17±0.08),差异具有显著性(P0.05、P0.05、P0.01);凋亡细胞染色:细胞核呈深棕黄色或棕褐色,A组扭转侧睾丸可见大量生精细胞凋亡,凋亡指数AI[(33.13±3.21)%]明显高于B组[(17.12±5.23)%](P0.05)、C组[(14.13±2.03)%](P0.05)及D组[(9.05±1.03)%](P0.01)。结论:低温联合地塞米松能显著增强睾丸组织抗损伤能力,较好地保护扭转复位后睾丸的生精功能及降低ICAM1的表达。     

Effects of caudal elevation on testicular function in rats. Separation of effects on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.

A variety of biologic processes are perturbed when exposed to microgravity (space flight) for more than 7 days, including testicular function. Suspension of rats in a special harness (caudal elevation) to induce thoracic pooling of blood fluids and remove the support function of the hind limbs is used to mimic, on earth, the effects of microgravity encountered during space flight. Typically, this induces cryptorchidism in male rats. Three experiments were conducted to differentiate the effects of caudal elevation (30 degrees angle) and anatomic location of testes on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. Rats were subjected to caudal elevation for 7 days using either a tail harness (experiments 1 and 2) or a whole-body harness (experiment 3). Testes of rats fell into the abdominal cavity when a tail harness was used, but ligation of the inguinal canal prevented this repositioning. For rats with abdominal testes, testicular weight was reduced (P less than 0.05) and histology of testes was abnormal; the number of spermatids per gram parenchyma was lower (P less than 0.05) in tail-suspended rats compared with control rats. In contrast, spermatogenesis was not affected by caudal elevation in most rats in which the inguinal canal was ligated or in rats elevated by whole-body harness. Concentrations of testosterone in serum and testicular interstitial fluid were lower (P less than 0.05) in suspended rats, regardless of the method used for caudal elevation or anatomic location of testes. Concentrations of luteinizing hormone in serum were elevated (P less than 0.05) in rats with intra-abdominal testes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Interferon alpha-2b may impair testicular histology including spermatogenesis in a rat model

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

Cyclosporine: its effects on testicular function and fertility in the prepubertal rat

The authors examined the effects of the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine (CsA) on the male reproductive system in prepubertal rats. Twenty-one-day-old rats were subcutaneously injected with either cremaphorsaline vehicle or CsA (1 and 2 mg/kg/d). The animals were treated until they were 66 days old. Cyclosporine did not affect the weights of the body or testis but decreased the weights of all sex accessory organs. Quantitative analysis of the tubules in stage VII of spermatogenesis revealed a decline in the cell counts of pachytene spermatocytes and step VII spermatids. Testicular and epididymal sperm counts and motility were decreased by 50% and fertility by 60%. Cyclosporine lowered serum testosterone despite an elevation of LH, indicating that the drug directly inhibited testosterone synthesis. Serum creatinine levels were normal in the treated animals, precluding renal failure as the cause for this impairment. Intratesticular concentrations of pregnenolone and 17-hydroxy progesterone were significantly elevated, while those of progesterone, androstenedione, and testosterone were markedly reduced. Determination of steroidogenic enzyme activities indicated that the administration of CsA inhibited the activity of delta 5-3B-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase-delta 5-4 isomerase (3 beta-HSD). These results clearly indicate that CsA in the doses used is harmful to the male reproductive function in prepubertal rats.     

大鼠血清表皮生长因子和睾丸表皮生长因子受体与精子生成的相关性

目的　探讨血清表皮生长因子 ( EGF)和睾丸组织表皮生长因子受体 ( EGF-R)与大鼠精子生成的关系。　方法　 40只性成熟期雄性 SD大鼠 ,随机分为假手术组( SOG)、去颌下腺组 ( SG)、去颌下腺加腹腔注射 EGF I组 ( SG-EGF I)和 II组 ( SG-EGFII) ,每组 1 0只。SG-EGF I和 SG-EGF II分别腹腔内注射 EGF0 .2 5和 0 .50 μg·kg- 1·d- 1。大鼠常规喂养 48d,断头取血和睾丸。放射免疫法检测血清 EGF水平 ,病理检查睾丸生精功能和免疫组织化学检测睾丸组织 EGF-R的表达。　结果　大鼠血清 EGF水平SG-EGF I组明显下降 ( P<0 .0 5) ,SG组有非常显著下降 ( P<0 .0 1 ) ;睾丸生精功能中、重度障碍 ;间质细胞 EGF-R表达明显减少 ( P<0 .0 5)。补充不同剂量的 EGF对睾丸生精功能有不同影响。 SOG、SG-EGF I和 SG-EGF II大鼠睾丸生精细胞、支持细胞及间质细胞 EGF-R表达无显著性差异 ( P>0 .0 5)。　结论　EGF对精子发生具重要的调控作用 ,血清 EGF水平和睾丸间质细胞 EGF-R高表达与睾丸生精功能呈正相关     

Acute and chronic effects of cisplatinum upon testicular function in the rat

One of the side effects of cisplatinum-based chemotherapy is the impairment of spermatogenic function. In order to understand the mechanisms responsible for this side effect, the present study examined the short- and long-term effects of five daily injections of 2 mg/kg cisplatinum upon the functional normality of Leydig cells and Sertoli cells in intact adult rats, and their relationship with the status of spermatogenesis. Results of the present study demonstrate that cisplatinum treatment resulted in a progressive but reversible loss of germ cells from the seminiferous epithelium. Although testicular testosterone contents reduced transiently after the adminisration of cisplatinum, these testosterone levels are otherwise sufficient to support complete spermatogenesis. Thus, the cisplatinum-induced germinal regression cannot be accounted for by hypoandrogenism. The testicular ABP contents of the drug-treated rats remained unchanged during the treatment period, decreased transiently 30 days after the treatment, and returned to normal 120 days after treatment. A decrease in epididymal ABP content was also noted 10 and 30 days after the drug treatment. These observations suggest that Sertoli cell functions were affected by cisplatinum treatment. The effects of cisplatinum upon Sertoli cells were further demonstrated by the dose-dependent suppression of the production of ABP, lactate, and estradiol in cultured Sertoli cells. In addition, cisplatinum administration resulted in a reversible decrease in pituitary weights and an irreversible decrease in seminal vesicle weights. These results further demonstrate the toxic effects of cisplatinum upon various aspects of the male reproductive system.     

The correlation between serum epidermal growth factor/testicular epidermal growth factor receptor and spermatogenesis in rat

<正>Objective: To investigate the correlation between epidermal growth factor (EGF)/testicular epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) and spermatogenesis in rat. Methods: Forty mature male Spraque-Dauley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to four groups, ten rats in each: sham operation group (SOG), sialoadenectomy group(SG), sialoade-nectomy group with injection of EGF (0. 25 μg·kg-1·d-1, SG-EGF Ⅰ) and sialoadenectomy group with injection of EGF (0. 50 μg·kg-1·d-1 , SG-EGF Ⅱ). The rats were routinely feed, and blood and testes were obtained on the 48th day after the operation. Serum EGF concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) , expression of EGF-R in testes was examined by the immunohistochemical method, and the spermatogenesis was pathologically checked. Results: Serum EGF levels in SG-EGFIand SG decreased significantly when compared with those of SOG (P<0. 05 and P< 0. 01, respectively). The testicular function of spermatogenesis showed a moderate to severe impairment in SG. The expression of EGF-R in Leydig cells decreased in SG(P<0. 05). The two dosage groups of EGF replacement had different effects. There were no significant differences of EGF-R expression in testicular germ cells, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells in SOG, SG-EGFⅠand SG-EGFⅡ(P>0. 05). Conclusion: EGF may play an important role in the regulation of spermatogenesis. Serum EGF concentration and high expression of EGF-R in Leydig cells have a positive correlation with spermatogenic function of the testes.