Angiogenesis inhibition impairs testicular morphology in experimental left varicocele rat model

• Published in: Actas urológicas españolas (English ed.) Vol. 38; no. 7; pp. 459 - 464
• Main Authors: Gökhan-Köse, M, Erdem, Ş.R, Peşkircioğlu, Ç.L, Çaylak, B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier España 01.09.2014
• Subjects: Angiogenesis; Angiogénesis; Espironolactona; Experimental left varicocele; Factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular; Rat; Rata; Spironolactone; Urology; Varicocele; Varicocele izquierdo experimental; Vascular endothelial growth factor; Angiogenesis; Varicocele; Factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular; Experimental left varicocele; Rat; Spironolactone; Espironolactona; Rata; Vascular endothelial growth factor; Angiogénesis; Varicocele izquierdo experimental
• ISSN: 2173-5786; 2173-5786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.acuroe.2014.05.006

Abstract Introduction 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. Materials and 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 (20 mg/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. Conclusion Angiogenesis seems to be a protective process in varicocele. Spironolactone treatment, probably by inhibiting angiogenesis, impairs testicular morphology.