Angiogenesis inhibition impairs testicular morphology in experimental left varicocele rat model.
BACKGROUND
It has been reported that varicocele might promote angiogenesis. However, it is not clearly identified how angiogenesis affect testicular morphology or spermatogenic activity. The objective of the study is to investigate the effect of spironolactone, as an angiogenesis inhibitor, on the ipsilateral testis morphology in left varicocele-induced rats.


METHODS
Twenty four adult (12-14 mo), male Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6, for each): 1. Control group, 2. Sham-operated group, 3. Experimental left varicocele group and, 4. Spironolactone (20mg/kg/day)-treated experimental left varicocele group. Histopathological findings in rat testis were investigated.


RESULTS
Microvessel density increased in varicocele group and spironolactone inhibited angiogenesis neither by antimineralocorticoid, nor by antiandrogenic effect. However, spermatogenesis impaired in spironolactone treated varicocele group.


CONCLUSIONS
Angiogenesis seems to be a protective process in varicocele. Spironolactone treatment, probably by inhibiting angiogenesis, impairs testicular morphology.
Baskent University School of Medicine, Department of Urology, Ankara, Turquía. Electronic address: vensyou@gmail.com.
M
M
Gökhan-Köse
Baskent University School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Ankara, Turquía.
Ş R
ŞR
Erdem
Baskent University School of Medicine, Department of Urology, Ankara, Turquía.
Ç L
ÇL
Peşkircioğlu
Baskent University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Ankara, Turquía.
B
B
Çaylak
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008297:Male; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D013148:Spironolactone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology*; D014646:Varicocele / Q000473:pathology*
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D013148:Spironolactone
Angiogenesis; Angiogénesis; Espironolactona; Experimental left varicocele; Factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular; Rat; Rata; Spironolactone; Varicocele; Varicocele izquierdo experimental; Vascular endothelial growth factor