[The effect of nitric oxide and total antioxide capacity on the germ cell apoptosis in the rat cryptorchid].

OBJECTIVES

To study the effect of nitric oxide (NO) and total antioxide capacity (T-AOC) on the germ cell apoptosis in the cryptorchidism rat.

METHODS

Immature rats (22 day-olds Sprague Dawley) were selected to make the model of unilateral cryptorchid. Germ cell apoptosis was examined by terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated d-UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Biochemical parameters (NO, T-AOC) were evaluated with spectrophotometric determination.

RESULTS

At the seventh day after the operation, as compared to the normal side testis, the number of apoptotic germ cells increased significantly in the undescended testis (P < 0.01), but the testes weight decreased predominantly; the NO level in the undescended testis was significantly higher than that in the normal side testis, and the T-AOC level was predominantly lower (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Experimentally-induced cryptorchidism can lead to the increase of grem cell apoptosis in rat. The results is closely related to the increase of No level and the decrease of T-AOC.