Immunohistochemical expression of connexin 43 and occludin in the rat testis after epididymal and vasal ligation.

摘要

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effects of epididymal and vasal ligation, in an experimental rat model, by using connexin 43 and occludin immunohistochemistry as well as transmission electron microscopy. DESIGN: Comparative and controlled experimental research study. SETTING: University animal research and histology laboratories in Turkey. ANIMAL(S): Wistar male rats in experimental and control groups. INTERVENTION(S): The control group underwent sham operation (n = 7). The first experimental group (n = 7) underwent unilateral epididymal ligation, whereas the second experimental group (n = 7) underwent unilateral vasal ligation to induce experimental epididymal and vasal obstruction models, respectively. All animals were then killed at 90 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Immunohistochemical expression of connexin 43 and occludin for testicular tissues was determined after epididymal and vasal obstruction models. Ultrastructural morphological changes were examined by electron microscopy. RESULT(S): Results of the semiquantitative analysis revealed that expressions of both occludin and connexin 43 in the rat testis were decreased in the experimental groups compared with in the sham-operated group. However, changes after vasal ligation were more prominent. Ultrastructural examination confirmed decreased intercellular communication as well as increased cellular degeneration among the ipsilateral and contralateral testicular tissues. CONCLUSION(S): Immunohistochemical expression of occludin and connexin 43 were decreased in the testis after vasal and epididymal ligation when compared with the sham-operated group. Ultrastructural changes indicating cell degeneration were more prominent after vasal ligation.