Oxytocin for preventing injury due to testicular torsion/detorsion in rats

Abstract

BACKGROUND: We aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of oxytocin on the testes for treating ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: A total of 24 male Wistar albino rats weighing 250–320 g were used. The rats were randomized into three groups of eight rats. Group 1 was assessed as the control group. In Group 2 rats, testicular torsion was first performed, followed by testicular detorsion to induce reperfusion injury. In Group 3, following testicular torsion and detorsion, oxytocin was administered before inducing reperfusion. Testicular tissues were histologically evaluated, spermatogenic parameters were assessed using the Johnsen scoring system, and the mean Johnsen score was calculated. RESULTS: Histological tests revealed significantly different results between the testicular torsion group and the oxytocin-treated torsion and control groups as well as between the oxytocin-treated torsion group and the control and testicular torsion groups (p=0.010 and 0.012, respectively). Biochemical test results revealed that superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels were significantly lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p=0.007 and 0.007, respectively). Malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels were significantly lower in Group 3 than in Group 2 (p=0.017 and 0.014, respectively). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that oxytocin can be considered as an alternative agent for treating testicular torsion in clinical practice to minimize tissue damage.