[The change and implication of epididymis sialic acid following torsing/detorsing testes in rats].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the change and implication of epididymis sialic acid after 24 hours following 2- or 4-hour torsing/detorsing of testes in rats.

METHODS

Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to unilateral 720 degrees testicular torsion for 2 and 4 hours and then repaired. The ischemic epididymides were collected for detecting the content of sialic acid by spectrophotometry.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between the content of epididymis sialic acid after 24 hours following 2-hour torsing/detorsing of testes and that of the sham group, while significant difference was found between the content of epididymis sialic acid after 24 hours following 4-hours torsing/detorsing of testes and that of sham group.

CONCLUSIONS

Sialic acidsecreting-function of epididymis can remain normal after one day following 2-hour torsing/detorsing of testes, and be injured after one day following 4-hour torsing/detorsing of testes. The epididymis remains resistant to ischemic damage during testicular ischemia.