The effects of local and sustained release of fibroblast growth factor on testicular blood flow and morphology in spermatic artery— and vein-ligated rats

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of local and sustained release of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) on testicular blood flow and morphology in spermatic artery— and vein-ligated rats. Forty male Wistar albino rats weighting 300 ± 20 g were allocated randomly into 5 groups consisting of 8 in each as follows: G-S (sham); G-C (control); and G-T 0.85, G-T 1.70, G-T 2.55. After the ligation of the left spermatic artery and vein, 1 cm 2 of unloaded and 0.85 μg, 1.70 μg, and 2.55 μg of FGF-loaded gelatin films were sutured on the left epididymis in G-C, G-T 0.85, G-T 1.70, and G-T 2.55, respectively. After 30 days, bilateral capsular (CBF) and intratesticular (IBF) blood flows were evaluated by colored Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) and testicular blood flow (TBF) by 133Xe clearance technique. Tunica albuginea and intertubular tissues were studied for the increase of peritesticular and intratesticular vessels. Mean intertubular vascular structure counts, seminiferous tubular diameters, testicular biopsy scores, and Leyding cell scores of each group were recorded and compared. CBF was present in all animals of G-S, G-T 0.85, G-T 1.70, and G-T 2.55 groups in CDUS, and it was detected in 62% of the G-C rats ( P < .05). However, IBF was present in only 25% of the G-C rats, and this percentage was increased from 50% up to 87.5% for treatment groups, and 100% for G-S rats, respectively. 133Xe clearance showed that TBF was significantly decreased in G-C compared with G-S (P < .05). In G-T 2.55, TBF was significantly increased, but still could not reach the level of G-S. Although mean testicular weights were significantly decreased for controls (G-C), G-T 0.85, and G-T 1.70, almost no difference was observed between G-T 2.55 and G-S. Although a slight increase in the vascular structures of tunica albuginea was present in G-C rats, a significant increase was observed in treatment groups. The mean number of intertubular vascular structures was significantly increased in treatment groups when compared with G-S and G-C (P < .05). Mean seminiferous tubular diameters and Leydig cell scores were decreased in G-C but significantly increased in treatment groups (P < .05). Mean testicular biopsy scores were increased in treatment groups compared with G-C but could not reach to sham levels. Ligation of the spermatic artery and vein has detrimental effects on the ipsilateral testicular blood flow and morphology. These effects may be reversed by local application of F