Experimental testicular torsion in a rat model: effects of treatment with pausinystalia macroceras on testis functions

Testicular torsion is a medical emergency with catastrophic sequelae that deserves the same treatment considerations and concerted efforts in research as any other complicated medical condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Pausinystalia macroceras [PM] bark extract on sperm quality and serum testosterone levels in testicular torsion in a rat model. Sixty-five [65] mature male Wistar rats apportioned randomly into four experimental groups of A to C; were further divided into four subgroups according to duration of torsion. Group D were the normal regular rats. Each group/subgroup comprised five rats. Testis maintained in the torted position [T] for 1, 2, 3 and 4 hr in Group A [subgroups: A[T1]+PM, A[T2]+PM, A[T3]+PM, and A[T4]+PM]. Group B [subgroups: B[1]+PM, B[2]+PM, B[3]+PM, B[4]+PM] were sham-operated animals, which did not undergo torsion and served as the sham control group. Group C subgroups: C[T1], C[T2], C[T3] and C[T4] were torted as in A. All animals [except groups C and D] were treated by PM extract [0.1 g/kg b.w. per day] for 56 days. Group D rats were fed distilled water. Serum testosterone concentrations and sperm quality [motility and count] were measured. Analyses of variance with Scheffe's post-hoc test were carried out on the data. PM extract had a positive effect [significant; p<0.5] on the sperm count and motility in rats with testicular torsion compared to those not receiving the extract. There was also an increase in serum testosterone levels in the former groups. Treatment of rats following testicular torsion result to the enhancement of sperm production in comparison with untreated rats

Palliative effect of Pausinystallia macroceras on testicular ischemic reperfusion injury in Wistar rats: a histological study / Efecto paliativo de Pausinystallia macroceras sobre la lesión testicular por isquemia-reperfusión en ratas Wistar: un estudio histológico

Testicular torsion is a disorder involving the scrotum that results in a compromise of its blood supply. The aim was to investigate the effect of Pausinystallia macroceras (PM) on testicular histology following torsion-detortion at different time intervals ranging from 1 to 4 hours 65 mature male Wister rats allotted randomly into seven groups (A to G; E& F further divided into 4-subgroups). Each group/subgroup comprised 5 rats. Testis maintained in the torted position (T) for 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours in Groups A (AT1+PM), B (BT2+PM), C (CT3+PM) and D (DT4+PM). Group E subgroups (E1+PM, E2+PM, E3+PM, E4+PM -) were sham operated, without torsion served as the sham control. Group F subgroups (F1T1, F2T2, F3T3 and F4T4) were torted as in A. All animals (except groups F & G) treated with PM extract (0.1 g/kg.b.w/day) for 56 days. Group G rats (normal control). Testes processed for histological studies. In AT1+PM showed preserved seminiferous tubules. BT2+PM, revealed varying number of necrosed and apoptotic seminiferous tubules. Group CT3+PM rats were similar to BT2+PM although with a slightly higher proportion of seminiferous tubules had undergone necrosis. In DT4+PM, sections showed few viable spermatozoa within the seminiferous tubules. When compared to the torted group F; showed extensive areas of seminiferous tubular necrosis (F3T3) as well as damage to the interstitium; while in F4T4 there were no viable testicular tissues seen. In conclusion, PM significantly prevented the cellular changes and cell death observed especially in group AT1+PM and BT2+PM.

La torsión testicular es un trastorno que involucra el escroto resultando en un compromiso del suministro sanguíneo. El objetivo fue investigar el efecto de Pausinystallia macroceras (PM) en la histología testicular tras torsión-detorsión a intervalos de tiempo diferentes que van desde 1 a 4 horas en 65 ratas macho Wistar maduras, asignando aleatoriamente en siete grupos (desde A a G, mientras que E y F se dividieron en 4 subgrupos). Cada grupo/subgrupo estuvo compuesto por 5 ratas. Los testículos se mantuvieron en posición torsionada (T) durante 1, 2, 3 y 4 horas en los grupos A (AT1 + PM), B (BT2 + PM), C (CT3 + PM) y D (DT4 + PM). El grupo E, subgrupos (E1 + PM, E2 + PM + PM E3, E4 + PM) fueron operados por modelo sham sin torsión, que sirvió de control. El grupo F, subgrupos (F1T1, F2T2, F3T3 y F4T4) fueron torsionados como en A. Todos los animales (excepto los grupos F y G) fueron tratados con extracto de AM (0,1 g/kg peso corporal/día) durante 56 días. El grupo G fueron ratas control (control normal). Los testículos fueron procesados para el estudio histológico. En AT1 + PM se observó preservación de los túbulos seminíferos. BT2 + PM, reveló un número variable de túbulos seminíferos con necrosis y apoptosis. El grupo de ratas CT3 + PM fue similar a BT2 + PM, aunque un porcentaje ligeramente superior de los túbulos seminíferos mostraron necrosis. En DT4 + PM, los cortes mostraron pocos espermatozoides viables dentro de los túbulos seminíferos. En comparación con el grupo F torsionado mostró extensas áreas de necrosis tubular (F3T3), así como daños en el intersticio; mientras que en F4T4 no hubo tejido testicular viable. En conclusión, PM previno significativamente cambios celulares y la muerte celular observada, especialmente en el grupo AT1 + PM y BT2 + PM.

Reproductive, cytological and biochemical toxicity of Yohimbe in male Swiss albino mice / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To study the effect of Corynanthe Yohimbe (Yohimbe) on germ cells in Swiss albino mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Adult male mice were orally (gavage) treated with different doses (188, 375 and 750 mg/[kg x day]) of aqueous suspension of Yohimbe for 90 days. The following parameters were evaluated: (i) reproductive organ weight, (ii) motility and count of sperm, (iii) study on rate of pregnancy and mean implants, (iv) spermatozoa morphology, (v) cytology of the testes chromosomes, and (vi) biochemical study on estimation of proteins, RNA, DNA, malondialdehyde, nonprotein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) and hormones.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The treatment caused significant increase in the weight of seminal vesicles, motility and count of spermatozoa, pre- and post-implants. Male fertility was decreased. These results are confirmed by our data on spermatozoa abnormalities and chromosomal aberrations. The data on biochemical parameters showed increase of malondialdehyde and depletion of NP-SH, proteins, RNA and DNA in the testicular cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our results elucidated the role of free radical species in cytological and reproductive changes, possibly, under the influence of yohimbine (principal constituent of Yohimbe) on neurotransmitters, including norephinephrine. These data warrant careful use of Yohimbe.</p>