Protective Effect of Capsaicin on Contralateral Testis of Rats during Unilateral Testicular Torsion

Lee, Seong Ho; Moon, Ki Hak

Abstract

PURPOSE
Unilateral testicular torsion is usually associated with damage to both the affected and the contralateral testis and thus with diminished fertility. This study was preformed to evaluate whether the capsaicin prevents contralateral testicular damage and how long the protection lasts.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eight groups of 8 male Sprague-Dawley rats(5 weeks old; 150~180 g) were studied. Groups 1 and 5 were sham-operated controls, groups 2 and 6 were testicular torsion controls, groups 3 and 7 underwent sham operation 24 hours after intraperitoneal administration of 0.5 cm3 of capsaicin, and groups 4 and 8 had testicular torsion performed 24 hours after the intraperitoneal administration of 0.5 cm3 capsaicin. The contralateral testis of each animal was harvested at 24 hours after the operation(groups 1~4) or at 4 weeks(groups 5~8). The weight, histologic findings, and extent of apoptosis were evaluated.
RESULTS
At 4 weeks, the weight of the contralateral testis and the diameter of the seminiferous tubules were decreased in the testicular torsion groups. The histologic grade and spermatogenesis was significantly lower in groups 6 and 8. The apoptosis index was significantly higher in groups 2, 6, and 8.
CONCLUSIONS
Capsaicin prevents early contralateral testicular damage from unilateral torsion(within 24 hours). However, these effects are not sustained at 4 weeks.