DETERMINATION OF TESTICULAR FUNCTION AFTER TORSION BY DNA FLOW-CYTOMETRY OF SERIAL FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATES

Objective To determine the efficacy of DNA now cytometric analysis of testicular percutaneous fine-needle aspirates in the assessment and fo llow-up of testicular function after torsion, and to determine the rel ationship between the duration of torsion and testicular injury. Mater ials and methods Three groups of 15 adult rats underwent a 720 degrees torsion, with fixation of the mesorchial ligament, for 1, 3 or 5 h. B ilateral aspirations, performed 7, 21 and 35 days after torsion were e xamined by now cytometry. Testes were harvested and evaluated histolog ically using Johnsen's scoring. Results Irreversible testicular injury occurred in all three groups of rats, with loss of function after 1 h and loss of viability after 3 and 5 h, The results from flow cytometr y suggested significant contralateral testicular injury (P<0.025) but this was not supported by the histological evaluation. There was a str ong correlation between the testicular function assessed by flow cytom etry and by Johnsen's scoring of histological specimens (r(2)=0.95). C onclusion The assessment of testicular aspirates by now cytometry allo ws testicular function to be followed after torsion in rats, and poten tially in humans. Using DNA now cytometry, the temporal course of the twisted testis in the adult rat was determined; contralateral testicul ar injury following the reversal of torsion could not be excluded.