Anchorage of Twisted Testis: A Rat Model of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury of the Testis

Abstract

Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injuries are associated with several pathologies, including testicular injury. Earlier animal models of testicular IR, which involves twisting the spermatic cord to achieve ischemia, are fraught with many technical difficulties that result in the inability to reproduce the model consistently. Hence, we present a simple method for inducing testicular IR in a rat model that can easily be replicated. This method involves the separation of the gubernaculum from the testis, creation of a scrotal pouch, twisting of the testis 720° clockwise at its lower pole, and anchorage of the testis to the base of the scrotum. This model effectively constricts testicular vessels and induces testicular ischemia. After 1 h of ischemia, the anchoring stitch is removed and the testis untwisted. The cord and its accompanying vessels are inspected to ensure patency. After IR, the testis is collected and sectioned for histopathological evaluation. Testicular histology was examined for focal hemorrhagic lesions, vascular congestion, widened interstitial space, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Furthermore, markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase), inflammation (MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β), and apoptosis (caspase 3 expression) were assayed. This method provides a simpler and easily reproducible model to study the pathophysiology of testicular IR injury. More so, this model opens a window for exploring potential therapeutic agents in the management of testicular IR injury.