Objective - The effects of vasectomy on testes and related structures are disputable. The aim of this study was to determine whether the reproductive organs of rabbits were influenced after 12 months vasectomy. Study design – Bilateral vasectomy was performed on 10 male adult New Zealand Big Eared White Rabbits (another 10 rabbits set as sham operated group) and tissue samples were examined by light microscopy after 12 months treatment. The histologic alterations were observed and analyzed by stereology method. Cell apoptosis by Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase Mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) assay were employed. Result - Bilateral vasectomy for 12 months affected the morphology of testis, epididymis and vas deferens tissues. Significant changes were noted in the histological stereology analysis. The apoptosis of the cells on the testis, epididymis and vas deferens increased compared with the sham operated group. Conclusion - Our findings suggest that the reproductive tissues of rabbits were influenced in a relatively longer term vasectomy.
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