Experimental Testicular Torsion in a Rat Model: Effects of Treatment with Pausinystalia macroceras on Testis Functions

BACKGROUND: Testicular torsion is a medical emergency with catastrophic sequelae that deserves the same treatment considerations and concerted efforts in research as any other complicated medical condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Pausinystalia macroceras (PM) bark extract on sperm quality and serum testosterone levels in testicular torsion in a rat model. METHODS: Sixty–five (65) mature male Wistar rats apportioned randomly into four experimental groups of A to C; were further divided into four subgroups according to duration of torsion. Group D were the normal regular rats. Each group/subgroup comprised five rats. Testis maintained in the torted position ((T)) for 1, 2, 3 and 4 hr in Group A (subgroups: A(T1)+PM, A(T2)+PM, A(T3)+PM, and A(T4)+PM). Group B (sub- groups: B(1)+PM, B(2)+PM, B(3)+PM, B(4)+PM) were sham–operated animals, which did not undergo torsion and served as the sham control group. Group C subgroups: C(T1), C(T2), C(T3) and C(T4) were torted as in A. All animals (except groups C and D) were treated by PM extract (0.1 g/kg b.w. per day) for 56 days. Group D rats were fed distilled water. Serum testosterone concentrations and sperm quality (motility and count) were measured. Analyses of variance with Scheffe's post-hoc test were carried out on the data. RESULTS: PM extract had a positive effect (significant; p < 0.5) on the sperm count and motility in rats with testicular torsion compared to those not receiving the extract. There was also an increase in serum testosterone levels in the former groups. CONCLUSION: Treatment of rats following testicular torsion result to the enhancement of sperm production in comparison with untreated rats.