Intravital microscopic evaluation of cremasteric microcirculation in experimental testicular torsion

Abstract

Aim: Although absent cremasteric reflex is a significant clinical finding for testicular torsion (TT), there is limited information about microcirculation of the cremasteric muscle (CM) after TT. This experimental study was performed to evaluate CM microcirculation by intravital microscopy after TT.

Materials and methods: Twelve Wistar rats were allocated into two equal groups: control (CG) and torsion (TG). After anesthetization of the CG rats, the CM flap was dissected through a left ventral inguinal incision with its vascular pedicle. In TG rats, TT was performed by rotating left testicles 720(°) in clockwise direction for 1 h. Then, the CM flap was dissected as in CG, and was placed under an intravital microscope. Vessel diameters, functional capillary perfusion and leukocyte activation in post-capillary venules were measured and evaluated statistically.

Results: There was a significant decrease in vessel diameter in TG compared to CG (p < 0.05). The median of perfused capillaries in CG and TG was 13 (11.75-14.30) and 5.5 (4.75-7.25), respectively (p < 0.05). Number of granulocytes (rolling, sticking, transmigrated) was greater in TG than CG (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Intravital microscopic evaluation of CM after TT showed decrease in vessel diameter and number of perfused capillaries, and increase in granulocyte activation. Clinical, electrophysiological alterations in CM after TT can be explained by deterioration of microcirculation of CM.

Keywords: Cremaster muscle; Experimental; Intravital microscopy; Testicular torsion.