Application of ultrasound technology in the study of ischemic postconditioning to protect testes from ischemia-reperfusion injury.

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to investigate the application of ultrasound technology in the study of ischemic postconditioning to protect testes from ischemia-reperfusion injury. Seventy-two big white rabbits were divided into mild ischemic groups (Group A A0, A1, A2, A3), moderate ischemic groups (Group B B0, B1, B2, B3) under ultrasound monitor, and control group (N = 8). Groups A0 and B0 received direct perfusion, while the other groups received a different short time filling/stopped filling treatment (15 s/15 s, 30 s/30 s, or 45 s/45 s) three times before complete perfusion. Each group received contrast-enhanced ultrasound before complete filling. At 3 days after perfusion, the testicular tissue was removed for biopsy. The parameters of testicular contrast in pre-reperfusion groups A and B differed significantly from those of their corresponding control groups (P < 0.05). The changes in testis-related pathological indicators in groups A1 and A2 were more significant than those of group A0 (P < 0.05), and changes in group B2 were more obvious than those of group B0 (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the comparison of other indicators between the corresponding groups (P > 0.05). Ultrasound technology can help build different degree models of ischemic testes and predict the protective effect of post-ischemic treatment.