Impact of sperm retrieival on testis and epididymis: an experimental study using Wistar albino rats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze pathophysiological changes after testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) and microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) procedures. Twenty four mature male Wistar albino rats with a proven breeding history, weighing approximately 200-250 gm were used for the study. Animals were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6), i.e., control, sham-control, unilateral TESA, and MESA. Using a 22G needle, the aspiration procedures were done in testis or caudal epididymis. At the end of 60 days of survival, blood samples were collected and processed for antisperm antibody detection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After euthanasia, testes and epididymides were collected and processed for paraffin embedding. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and TUNEL technique. Serum antisperm antibody titer significantly increased in TESA (P < 0.001) when compared to MESA. Histomorphometric analysis indicated testicular alterations in TESA and MESA, with significant damage in TESA in both testes (P < 0.001). Following the MESA procedure, ipsilateral caudal and carpus epididymis showed significant alterations (P < 0.001) and no such alterations were seen in the ipsilateral caput and intact contralateral epididymis. TUNEL staining revealed an up-regulation of apoptosis in both contra- and ipsilateral testes of TESA. Needle prick had produced drastic and irreversible alterations in testis of TESA. Ensuing processes of immunological and inflammatory reaction had the potential to disrupt spermatogenesis and increase germ cell apoptosis. However, extrapolating conclusions from the experimental model to the clinic needs to be done cautiously.

Therapeutic approaches for anti-sperm-antibodies in the testicular sperm aspiration rat model

“…Sperm cells were present in minor to moderate levels in the epididymis' tubular lumen. These results substantially support the previous findings of Prithiviraj et al [33]. After sperm extraction, men's serum samples contained ASAs of the IgG class, according to Wood et al [21].…”

“…Testicular sperm aspiration has been utilized to extract sperm from humans and several animal species, including rams, and rat models [18][19][20]. Prithiviraj et al [33] and Shufaro et al [34] both demonstrated that biopsies significantly elevate and produce ASAs. As a result, TSA was utilized in the current study as a rat model for ASAs production.…”

“…Prithiviraj et al . [ 33 ] and Shufaro et al . [ 34 ] both demonstrated that biopsies significantly elevate and produce ASAs.…”

“…These results substantially support the previous findings of Prithiviraj et al . [ 33 ]. After sperm extraction, men’s serum samples contained ASAs of the IgG class, according to Wood et al .…”

Advances in sperm retrieval techniques in azoospermic men: A systematic review

“…The damage caused by this is seen clinically in the finding that in 11% of cases where sperm were present during the first TESA procedure, no sperm were found during a repeat procedure [13] . A study on the rat testis showed that TESA led to high antibody titres, increased germ cell apoptosis, and extensive fibrosis of the parenchyma [26] . Thus, TESA is inefficient (low SRR) and traumatic, and hence is not recommended even though it is widely used by gynaecologists.…”