The effect of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy on distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal in rabbit renal pelvis and proximal ureter.

BACKGROUND/AIM: An experimental study was performed to evaluate the effect of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) on the distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in rabbit renal pelvis and proximal ureter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six New Zealand rabbits were included. Right kidneys were exposed to a total of 3000 shock waves (14 kV) by using an electrohydraulic-type ESWL device. Right sides were allocated as the ESWL group (EG, n = 6) and left sides as the control group (CG, n = 6). Tissues were harvested on day 7. Tissues were examined histopathologically for the presence of edema, inflammation, congestion, hemorrhage, fibrosis, and vascularization. Mast cell tryptase and CD 117 (c-kit) staining was performed for ICC distribution. RESULTS: Although increased tissue edema in renal pelvises and increased inflammation in ureters were observed in EG, no statistical difference was detected between groups (P > 0.05). In CG, positive CD117 staining was detected in 2 renal pelvises and ureters. None of the EG samples showed CD117 staining and no statistical difference was detected between groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Rabbit does not appear to be a good model for investigating ICCs. ESWL may cause histopathological alterations in the renal pelvis and ureter. Since it has not been statistically proven, reduced contractility of the ureter after ESWL may not be attributed to altered distribution of ICCs in the renal pelvis and ureter.

Effect of P/E-selectin blockage on antisperm antibody development and histopathological alterations in experimental orchitis.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of P/E-selectin blockage on antisperm antibody (ASA) development and histopathological alterations in experimental orchitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six Wistar albino-type male rats weighing 100-150 g were included in the study. Rats were allocated into six groups (n = 6) including control (CG), sham (SG), orchitis (OG), antimicrobial treatment (AG), P/E-selectin blockage (PESG), and both antimicrobial and P/E-selectin treatment (TG) groups. In CG, serum samples were taken from the tail vein prior to the procedure and followed by extraction of both testes. In SG, 1 ml of saline solution was injected in testicular parenchyma. OG was obtained by injecting 0.1 ml 106 cfu/ml Escherichia coli (0:6 strain) and 1 ml saline solution into the right testes. AG received ciprofloxacin (50 mg/kg/day) twice a day through gastrogavage 24 hours after generating orchitis. In PESG, P/E-selectin antibody (100 µg) was administered intravenously via the tail vein 24 hours after the induction of orchitis. Finally, both ciprofloxacin and P/E-selectin antibody were administered in TG 24 hours after the induction of orchitis for 14 days. At the end of treatment, 1 ml of serum sample was obtained to evaluate the ASA, P-selectin and E-selectin levels. In order to evaluate spermatogenesis (Johnsen score) and testicular injury (Cosentino score), both testes were extracted at the end of the 14th day. RESULTS: In orchitis-induced groups (OG, ATG, PSEG, TG), ASA levels were significantly increased at the 14th day when compared to SG (p < 0.05). In TG, ASA levels were decreased when compared to AG. However, similar alteration in ASA levels was not detected in PSEG (p > 0.05). In OG and AG, P-selectin levels were decreased at the 14th day when compared to levels observed on 0 day (p < 0.05). E-selectin levels on 0 day showed that each group had higher levels of E-selectin when compared to CG (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference regarding E-selectin when compared to CG (p > 0.05). No significant differences regarding E-selectin levels were detected on the 0th and 14th days between AG and CG (p > 0.05). When the Cosentino and Johnsen scores were compared among groups, TG and PSEG has decreased scores of Cosentino than OG on the right testicle (p < 0.05). In contrast, an increased Johnsen score was detected in TG and PSEG when compared to OG (p < 0/05). No significant difference was detected for both Cosentino and Johnsen scores on the left testicle (p > 0.05). There was no difference with regard to the right and left testicular injury in TG. In P/E-blocked groups, decreased histopathological alterations were observed in the contralateral testis. CONCLUSION: P/E-selectin blockage may reduce ASA production after orchitis when combined with antimicrobial treatment. P/E-selectin blockage not only has a protective effect on blood-testis barrier but also decreases the histopathological alterations in both the affected and contralateral testis. Histopathological parameters of spermatogenesis may also be prevented by P/E-selectin blockage in experimental orchitis.

The effects of local and sustained release of fibroblast growth factor on wound healing in esophageal anastomoses.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Postsurgical complications, such as anastomotic leaks in patients with esophageal atresia, have remained unchanged during the last 3 decades. Growth factors enhance healing in several wound-healing models. Therefore, an experimental study was used to evaluate the effects of local and sustained release of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) on wound healing in esophageal anastomoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats, which were subjected to a 1-cm segmental resection of the abdominal esophagus followed by end-to-end anastomosis, were allocated into 3 groups. Group I, the control group, had no gelatin film applied to the anastomosis. In group II (gelatin film without FGF) and group III (gelatin film with FGF), anastomoses were covered with unloaded and 2.55 mug FGF-loaded gelatin films, respectively. On postoperative day 7, bursting pressures, histopathologic collagen deposition, and tissue hydroxyproline concentrations of the anastomoses were then analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Mean bursting pressures, mean submucosal and muscular collagen deposition scores, and mean tissue hydroxyproline concentrations differed significantly between groups. Mean bursting pressures were 22.5 +/- 3.1 mm Hg in group I, 29 +/- 1.6 mm Hg in group II, and 63.2 +/- 6.8 mm Hg in group III (P < .001). Mean submucosal collagen deposition scores (group I: 0.7 +/- 0.2, group II: 0.7 +/- 0.1, group III: 1.5 +/- 0.2; P = .02) and mean muscular collagen deposition scores (group I: 0.8 +/- 0.2, group II: 0.8 +/- 0.1, group III: 1.8 +/- 0.1; P = .01) were significantly higher in FGF animals than the other in the other 2 groups. Mean tissue hydroxyproline concentrations were 2.4 +/- 0.5 microg/mg in group I, 3.9 +/- 0.4 microg/mg in group II, and 6.0 +/- 1.0 microg/mg in group III (P = .007). CONCLUSION: Local and sustained release of FGF enhanced wound healing in esophageal anastomoses in this animal model.