Effect of surgically induced varicocele on testicular blood flow and Sertoli cell function

Objectives. To evaluate the effect of varicocele on testicular blood flow a nd expression by Sertoli cells of transferrin and androgen-binding protein (ABP), to determine whether varicoceles impair Sertoli cell function. Methods. Experimental varicocele was established in male Sprague-Dawley rat s by partial ligation of the left renal vein. The control group received a sham operation. At 30 minutes after surgery, rats underwent a xenon-133 was hout study, and at 30 days after surgery, transferrin, ABP, and testicular blood flow were evaluated. Expression of transferrin and ABP were evaluated using immunohistochemical techniques. Testicular blood flow was measured u sing xenon-133 clearance techniques. Statistical analyses were done with an independent t test. Results. The testicular blood flow was 16.7 +/- 1.25 mL/100 g/min in varico cele-bearing rats and 21.01 +/- 0.46 mL/100 g/min in sham-operated rats 30 minutes after surgery, Testicular blood flow remained decreased at 30 days in varicocele-bearing rats (15.12 +/- 1.08 mL/100 g/min) and remained stabl e in the control group (19.45 +/- 0.55 mL/100 g/min). The expression of tra nsferrin and ABP was significantly reduced in varicocele-bearing rats compa red with the control group. Conclusions. Our study suggests that a decrease in testicular blood flow ma y lead to impaired Sertoli cell function in varicocele-bearing rats. UROLOG Y 53: 1258-1262, 1999. (C) 1999, Elsevier Science Inc, All rights reserved.