SUBSEQUENT BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF CHEMICAL SYMPATHECTOMY IN RATS UNDERGOING UNILATERAL TESTICULAR TORSION

The effects of chemical sympathectomy on contralateral testicular hist ology, fertility and fecundity following unilateral testicular torsion were evaluated in rats. Four groups, placebo plus sham operation, 6-O H-dopamine plus sham operation, placebo plus torsion, and 6-OH-dopamin e plus torsion, were established. When the placebo plus sham operation and placebo plus torsion groups were compared, it was found that cont ralateral testicular damage following unilateral testicular torsion oc curred with significantly decreased values for mean seminiferous tubul ar diameter (MSTD), mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS) and fertility. The relatively normal values for MSTD, MTBS and fertility in the 6-OH -dopamine plus sham operation and 6-OH-dopamine plus torsion groups in dicate the preventive role of chemical sympathectomy on contralateral testicular damage. Since chemical sympathectomy prevents contralateral histologic deterioration and preserves fertility in unilateral testic ular torsion, the decreased blood flow in the reflex-activating sympat hetic system may play a role in contralateral testicular damage.