Histological and Immunohistochemical Changes in the Adult Rat Testes after Left Experimental Varicocele and Possible Protective Effects of Resveratrol

Introduction: Varicoceles are present in about 30-50% of infertile men. However, the histological changes in the testes are not well-defined. Also, Resveratrol (RES) is a powerful antioxidant used recently in the treatment of infertility with other causes. Aim of the Study: So, this study aimed to elucidate the histological and immunohistochemical changes of both testes after left experimental varicocele and to evaluate the possible protective role of RES. Materials and Methods: This study included forty adult male albino rats divided into four equal groups: Control group (I); sham-operated group (II); left varicocele group (III) and left varicolcele+RES group (IV). Varicocele was induced by partial ligation of the left renal vein. RES was orally administered to group IV in a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight every day for five weeks. At the end, all animals were sacrificed and testes were excised. Paraffin sections were prepared and stained with H E, PAS reaction and immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). PCNA-labeling index was calculated to assess spermatogenesis. Results: Left experimental varicocele was shown to affect both ipsi- and contra-lateral testes. The changes in the ipsilateral testes were in the form of irregular degenerated seminefirous tubules with numerous blood vessels and thickened basement membranes. These changes were present in some tubules in the contralateral testes. PCNA-LI values were significantly lower than the control and sham-operated groups. Treatment with RES proved to improve these changes. Conclusion: Left experimental varicocele has deleterious effects on the structure of both testes and supplementation with RES in cases of infertility with varicocele may have a protective effect.