Scanning electron microscopy of vas deferens epithelium after temporary alteration caused by radiopaque medium.

Nine male rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) weighing approximately 300 g were divided into 3 groups: a control group (CG), an experimental group of 7 days (EG-7), and an experimental group of 35 days (EG-35). All rats except those in the control group underwent a left vasography. The EG-7 and EG-35 rats were killed on the 7th and 35th days, respectively, after vasography; CG rats were killed on a randomly chosen day. The histological sections and scanning electromicrographs showed that the temporary alterations caused by radiopaque medium on vas deferens mucosa seen on the 7th day after vasography were completely repaired on the 35th day of recovery and either apical secretion or stereocilia of principal cells were reestablished.