Protective effects of melatonin on testis histology following acute torsion-detorsion in rats

BACKGROUND: Testicular damage due to spermatic cord torsion may lead to infertility. It is probably because of changes in oxidative stress factors such as malondialdehyde. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of melatonin (MLT), as an antioxidant, on testicular damage induced by acute unilateral spermatic cord torsion and detorsion (T/D) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 48 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (8 rats/group): sham group underwent right scrotal surgery only., the T/D group underwent right testicular torsion (for 1 hr) and detorsion, and the melatonin group underwent right testicular torsion, received 25 µg/kg melatonin intraperitoneally immediately after surgery of T/D. Then the histological parameters and malondialdehyde (MDA) changes were evaluated. RESULTS: Torsion and detorsion decreased the diameter of the tubules significantly compared to controls (p=0.003). Melatonin could increase the diameter, but it was not significant (p=0.26). The heights of the epithelium were constant in sham, T/D, and melatonin groups without any significant difference between groups (p=0.98). Based on Johnsen’s score, spermatogenesis was normal in the sham group. The torsion significantly injured all lineage cells (p<0.001). There was no any spermatid or sperm in the seminiferous tubules. Melatonin improved the spermatogenesis significantly (p=0.02), but could not improve MDA level significantly (p=0.99). CONCLUSION: Severe degenerative changes of testis were induced by acute unilateral spermatic cord torsion and detorsion in rats, but it had no effect on MDA level.