Oxidative stress induced by torsion of the spermatic cord in young rats.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of the oxidative stress in an experimental model of torsion/detorsion of the spermatic cord and the legitimacy of this model for oxidative stress studies.


METHODS
Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomized in two groups (n=24): G-1 (Sham) and G-2 (Ischemia/Reperfusion). All rats received intraperitoneal saline injections (2.0 ml), at 21, 9, and 1 h before right spermatic cord torsion or first sham operation. Detorsion or second sham operation was carried out 3 h later followed by testis and blood samples collection (T-0). Additional samples were collected at 1-3-6 h time-points for assessment of testis malonaldehyde, glutathione, and plasma total antioxidant power (TAP).


RESULTS
Spermatic cord torsion/detorsion induced a significant increase in testicular malonaldehyde contents and a significant decrease in glutathione concentrations in ischemic rats compared with sham animals. Additional increase in malonaldehyde levels occurred during reperfusion in G-2 rats. TAP was similar in both groups denoting absence of systemic effects in this study.


CONCLUSIONS
Torsion/detorsion of the spermatic cord for 3 h induces significant lipid peroxidation and reduction in glutathione content of the testis and is, therefore, a valid model for studying the oxidative stress effects of the ischemia/reperfusion injury in young rat testis.
Guimarães
Sergio Botelho
SB
Department of Surgery, Experimental Surgical Research Laboratory, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Prof. Costa Mendes 1608, 60430-140 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. mcirur@ufc.br
Aragão
Alan Arruda
AA
Santos
Jefferson Menezes Viana
JM
Kimura
Osamu de Sandes
Ode S
Barbosa
Paulo Hudson Uchoa
PH
Vasconcelos
Paulo Roberto Leitão de
PR
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000032:analysis; D005978:Glutathione / Q000097:blood; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000097:blood; D023421:Models, Animal; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000150:complications; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013086:Spermatic Cord Torsion / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D017392:Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances / Q000032:analysis; D013997:Time Factors
D000975:Antioxidants; D017392:Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D008315:Malondialdehyde; D005978:Glutathione