Long-term influence of prepubertal testicular torsion on spermatogenesis.

PURPOSE: To study the influence of prepubertal unilateral testicular torsion on spermatogenesis postpubertally.

METHODS

Sixty prepubertal SD male rats were divided into 6 groups. In each group, animal suffered different courses of unilateral testicular torsion including sham operation, 2- and 6-hour-long torsion, and permanent torsion. Salvia miltiorrhiza was injected as a remedy to release the I/R injury in the 2- and 6-hour-long torted groups. Postpubertally, the percentage of DNA content of haploid cells in the testes was determined individually.

RESULTS

The percentage of haploid cells in the sham operation group was 76.5+/-1.9%. The number decreased in every other group (p<0.01). Comparing with the same course of torsion, Salvia miltiorrhiza injection could improve the percentage of haploid cells (p<0.01). In the permanent unilateral testicular torted group, the percentage was nearly zero (0.4+/-0.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Prepubertal unilateral testicular torsion induces decreased spermatogenesis postpubertally. The result takes place in the bilateral testes. Salvia miltiorrhiza, as an antioxidant remedy, could relieve the injury which manifests improved spermatogenesis.