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  • Title: Post-vasectomy impairment of transepithelial water reabsorption in the initial segment of the epididymis.
    Author: Hohlbrugger G, Pfaller K.
    Journal: Arch Androl; 1983 Dec; 11(3):265-70. PubMed ID: 6660976.
    Abstract:
    Using a modified split-droplet micropuncture technique there was an impairment of water reabsorption in the initial segment of the epididymis 2 weeks post vasectomy. This was supported by light-microscopy. The cause and a possible reversal of this impairment are not apparent. However, in men, low sperm counts post vasectomy reversal and eventually otherwise could be attributed not only to suppression of spermatogenesis in the testis but also to impairment of sperm concentration in the epididymis. A study was undertaken to determine whether vasectomy affects water reabsorption at the site of its greatest capacity. To supply the data, additional histology slides were provided. 10 male Sprague Dawley rats weighing between 300-350 gcm were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of sodium pentobarbital (Nembutal), 100 mg/kg body weight. Bilateral vasectomy was performed through a midline laparatomy incision. The vas deferens was dissected free from the major deferential blood vessels prior to removal of a 5 mm section of the vas between 3-0 vicryl ligatures. At the end of the operation the abdominal muscle and skin layers were closed separately with interrupted 3-0 vicryl sutures. A 2nd group (n = 5) was sham operated. The vasa were only manipulated without interrupting their continuity. In both groups after surgery the testes were repeatedly palpated to ensure scrotal location. Sham operated and treatment animals were anesthetized with an intraperitoneal injection of Inactin, 120 mg/kg body weight. The trachea was cannulated and the right external jugular vein was catheterized for steady infusion of Ringer's solution for continued proper fluid balance. The gonads were approached through an inguinal incision and the epididymides prepared for micropuncture. For assessment of fluid reabsorption a modified split droplet micropuncture tecnique was applied. After injecting a Sudan black stained castor oil bolus into a selected tubulus segment free flow of the bolus was blocked by squeezing the tubulus distalwards. After removing the oil capillary tube, 3 nl of NaCl, 145 mmol/l was injected into the middle of the oil bolus, thereby dividing it into 2 columns. As a result of reabsorption of the test fluid, the 2 separated oil columns moved towards each other and came into contact after a period of time. Specimens obtained from the initial segment of the epididymis were fixed with Bouin solution, dehydrated in increasing concentrations of propanol, and embedded in Paraplast. All treated animals developed typical sperm granulomas close to the site of the ligature and a distended and stuffy packed cauda epididymides. The more proximal parts of the epididymides and testes appeared to be normal. All sham operated animals failed to show any alteration. 2 weeks after sham operation the mean time required for reabsorption of 3 nl NaCl, 145 mmol/l was 11.1 + or - 3.6 minutes, which is in the range of untreated animals of the same age. 1 week postvasectomy this time was 26.6 + or - 4.8 minutes, which differed significantly from the former value. 2 weeks thereafter 32.6 + or - 3.5 minutes were evaluated. If fluid reabsorption failed to become visible within 30 minutes, the experiment was discontinued. According to light microscopy no apparent difference concerning tubulus diameter, epithelium cell height, and sperm density between sham operated and treatment animals was found.
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