Effects of permanent occlusion of the testicular vein on the testis of the rat

ABSTRACT

The effects of ligation of the testicular vein on the testicular structure were studied in the adult albino rats. Forty animals were used in this study Animals were divided into two groups control group and operated group. In the operated group, the animals were subjected to permanent occlusion of left testicular vein for periods of one, two, four and eight weeks. After one week, many spermatogenic cells showed pyknosis or karyolsis. Detachment of cellular contents from the basement membrane was also noticed. After two weeks, the tunica albuginea was markedly thickened. The tubules showed agglomeration of their contents or thinning of the epithelial cell layers and widening of their lumina. After four weeks, dispersion of the constituents of the tunica albuginea was marked and a massive cellular infiltrate of mononuclear cells was seen under the capsule in between and even inside the tubules. Mutlinucleated giant cells were also observed and were usually associated with empty spaces between the layers of spematogenic cells. After eight weeks, the seminiferous tubules showed severe epithelial degeneration with agglomeration of the cellular contents in masses inside the tubules. The interstitium showed slight oedema with fibroblast-like cells replacing some Leydig cells. The results and the significance of interruption of the counter-current exchange system between the pampiniform plexus and the testicular artery were discussed