Immunohistochemical expression of connexin 43 and occludin in the rat testis after epididymal and vasal ligation

Objective To describe the effects of epididymal and vasal ligation, in an experimental rat model, by using connexin 43 and occludin immunohistochemistry as well as transmission electron microscopy. Design Comparative and controlled experimental research study. Setting University animal research and histology laboratories in Turkey. Animal(s) Wistar male rats in experimental and control groups. Intervention(s) The control group underwent sham operation (n = 7). The first experimental group (n = 7) underwent unilateral epididymal ligation, whereas the second experimental group (n = 7) underwent unilateral vasal ligation to induce experimental epididymal and vasal obstruction models, respectively. All animals were then killed at 90 days. Main Outcome Measure(s) Immunohistochemical expression of connexin 43 and occludin for testicular tissues was determined after epididymal and vasal obstruction models. Ultrastructural morphological changes were examined by electron microscopy. Result(s) Results of the semiquantitative analysis revealed that expressions of both occludin and connexin 43 in the rat testis were decreased in the experimental groups compared with in the sham-operated group. However, changes after vasal ligation were more prominent. Ultrastructural examination confirmed decreased intercellular communication as well as increased cellular degeneration among the ipsilateral and contralateral testicular tissues. Conclusion(s) Immunohistochemical expression of occludin and connexin 43 were decreased in the testis after vasal and epididymal ligation when compared with the sham-operated group. Ultrastructural changes indicating cell degeneration were more prominent after vasal ligation.