RESUMO
AIM: To study the cell apoptosis and the change of microstructure and ultrastructure in epididymis with experimental varicocele (EVC) in rats. METHODS: Experimental varicocele model was induced by partial ligation of the left renal vein in adolescent Sprague-Dawley Wistar rats. Apoptotic cells were detected by in situ terminal deoxynucleotityl transferase-mediated dTUP nick end labeling (TUNEL) technique. The corpus epididymis of the rats was prepared for light and electron microscopic observation. The microstructure and ultrastructure of the epididymis were studied. RESULTS: There was certain proportion of apoptosis cells in epididymis cells in control rats. The incidence of apoptosis increased remarkably in experimental group than that in control group (P