Pre-ischemic administration of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors reduced germ cell apoptosis after spermatic vessel ligation in the rat testis

Abstract

Introduction: The Fowler-Stephens maneuver, a mode of spermatic vessel ligation, is a method of choice in the management of high testes. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of pre-ischemic administration of N-G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) inhibitor, in preventing testicular ischemic damage and germ cell-specific apoptosis in rats. Materials and Methods: 30 min before ligation of the spermatic vessels, L-NAME was administered intraperitoneally to a group of rats and saline was given to another group of rats (controls). Biochemical assessments of NO and germ cell-specific apoptosis were performed. Results: Testicular NO levels in the L-NAME group showed significant decreases in the ipsilateral (p = 0.004) and contralateral (p = 0.015) testes in relation to those of the control group. The apoptotic indices were found in 2.3% of the L-NAME group and 3.1% of the control group. Conclusion: Pre-ischemic administrations of the NOS inhibitor, L-NAME, effectively decreased NO production and to some degree caused a reduction in germ cell apoptosis in the rat testes after spermatic vessel ligation. Further studies are mandatory to confirm our preliminary results and to address the potential introduction of NOS inhibitors into clinical practice. Copyright (c) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.