Establishment of an animal model of ejaculatory duct obstruction

Abstract

This study aimed to establish animal models with different degrees of ejaculatory duct obstruction. Forty‐eight male rats aged 14–15 weeks were randomly divided into three groups (n = 16): control, complete ejaculatory duct obstruction (tied around the lower seminal vesicle gland and ductus deferens with a 2–0 silk ligature), and partial ejaculatory duct obstruction (padded with a wire guide). Mortality, complications, seminal vesicle morphology and histopathology were compared in the three groups at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. In the complete ejaculatory duct obstruction group, seminal vesicle weight decreased gradually with increased obstruction time compared with those of the control group (p < 0.05); moreover, stone‐like material was occasionally observed. In the partial ejaculatory duct obstruction group, there was an increase followed by a decrease in seminal vesicle weight in the postoperative period compared with that of the control group (p < 0.05). Histopathological lesions of seminal vesicles were observed in the complete and partial ejaculatory duct obstruction groups (8 weeks postoperatively). We successfully established animal models of complete and partial ejaculatory duct obstruction, which provide an easy‐to‐use tool for studying seminal vesicle changes after ejaculatory duct obstruction.

Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction Affects Seminal Vesicle Contractile Efficacy and Smooth Muscle Ultrastructure in a Rat Model

“…In our previous studies, we successfully established animal models of complete and partial obstruction of the ejaculatory duct [13]. Results indicated that rats in the complete EDO group exhibited progressive SVs, including reduced SV weight, SV atrophy, thinning of smooth muscle layer, and epithelial cell exfoliation.…”

“…Rats in the control group were subjected to sham operation, without obstruction of the ejaculatory duct. For the detailed animal modeling protocol and pathology evaluation, please refer to our previous articles [13]. After surgery, rats were housed in an environment maintained at 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle, a temperature of 23 °C with free access to standard diet and clean water ad libitum.…”