Veno-occlusive priapism in experimental rat models: the impact of aliquots of exogenous testosterone intervention on phallic and gonadal tissues

Abstract

Background: Priapism is a prolonged, painful penile erection that occurs when blood in the penis is unable to drain lasting hours to days and can result in scarring and erectile dysfunction.

Aim: To determine the effect of administration of low dose testosterone (TT) on priapic rat models on phallic and gonadal tissues.

Methodology: Twenty five adult Sprague-Dawley male rats randomly divided into five groups (A-E), of 5 rats/ group weighing between 150-250 g were used. All groups were induced with priapism over a total period of twelve hours (12 h). Except for group A (Control) which was treated with arachis oil (placebo), the experimental groups were treated with 0.05 mg/kg body weight TT at different time intervals, once per week for period of 4 weeks. Group B immediately after priapism (0 h) was induced. Group C, D and E: 6, 12, and 24h after priapism was induced. At the end of the experiment (4 weeks after priapism and four days post-TT administration), the animals were sacrificed under similar anaesthesia. The penis and testes were harvested for histological studies, peripheral blood obtained by ocular puncture in plain specimen bottles. Serum TT, antioxidant enzymes [glutathione reductase (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)] and malondialdehyde (MDA)] activities were determined respectively.

Result: Mean TT and GSH, SOD and CAT values in groups B, C, D and E were significantly elevated (p< 0.05) when compared to control (group A). The MDA levels were significantly decreased (p<0.05) only in at 0 h TT treatment group B compared to control. The phallic and seminiferous tubular sections in groups A, D and E showed severe histoarchitectural alterations, while alterations in groups B and C were relatively preserved compared to control.

Conclusion: Early exogenous TT intervention preserves phallic and gonadal tissues demonstrating its protective role.

Keywords: Testosterone, Antioxidant enzymes, Malondialdehyde, Penis, Testes