Glucocorticoid hormone can suppress apoptosis of rat testicular germ cells induced by testicular ischemia

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of dexamethasone, a potent synthetic glucocorticoid hormone, on apoptosis of testicular germ cells and vascular neutrophil adhesion after repair of testicular torsion in rats. Design: Controlled laboratory study. Setting: Department of Urology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan. Animal(s): Fifty-one male Sprague-Dawley rats. Intervention(s): Dexamethasone, 10 mg/kg of body weight. Main Outcome Measure(s): Testicular germ-cell apoptosis (percentages of apoptotic tubules and apoptotic cells) and vascular neutrophil adhesion were assessed by using DNA nick-end labeling and the endothelial-neutrophil adhesion score, respectively. Result(s): Intravenous administration of dexamethasone at repair of 90-minute testicular torsion significantly inhibited testicular germ-cell apoptosis and vascular neutrophil adhesion. This inhibition was suppressed by intravenous injection of mifepristone, a glucocorticoid-receptor antagonist. Conclusion(s): Glucocorticoids can be administered for torsion in addition to conventional torsion repair.