Histologic Changes, Hsp 70 and bcl-2 Expression and Apoptosis Following Piezoelectric Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment on Immature Rat Testis / 대한비뇨기과학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the sequential histologic changes and spermatogenesis of the testis after extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: ESWT to right testis was applied on total 48 immature, 5-week-old Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were sacrficed immediately, at 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after ESWT, and each group consisted of 8 rats including 2 rats as control (without ESWT). Histologic changes of both testes were examined, and serial three or more parafin sections were obtained, and immunohistochemical stains for bcl-2 and Hsp 70 and TUNEL method for apoptosis were performed. RESULTS: Hemorrhage and destruction of seminiferous tubules which appeared immediately after ESWT were maximal at 1 day after ESWT and were seen absorption and atrophy at 1 week after ESWT. Even regenerating tubules were found at 2 weeks after ESWT, no significant histologic difference between both testes experimental and control groups were seen except for some regenerating tubules. The right testicular tissues, remote from the ESWT-targeted area, showed preserved spermatogenesis since the age of 5 weeks 3 days, and was presented no significant difference between experimental and control groups. Hsp 70 and bcl-2 expression and apoptosis were maximal at 1 day after ESWT and persisted to 3 day after ESWT. Weak and focal expression were noted at 1 week after ESWT, and mostly disappeared at 2 weeks after. CONCLUSIONS: Spermatogenesis of right testis except the targeted area was not diffrent compared with that of left testis and control group. Hsp-70 expressin, which limits tissue destruction after injury, was immediately appeared for defense mechanism, and hemorrhage and tissue destruction following ESWT seemed to be due to apoptosis controlled by bcl-2 expression.