Salmon oil supplementation in dogs affects the blood flow of testicular arteries.

The administration of fish oils is known to cause changes in several reproductive parameters of domestic animals. The ingestion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of the omega-3 family, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), has been described and correlated with changes in the semen quality, testosterone levels and male fertility. Nevertheless, few studies monitored and registered effects after ceasing supplementation. In the present study, we monitored the Doppler velocimetric and ultrasonographic parameters of nine dogs' testis for 90 days (D90) checking the effect of salmon oil supplementation, and monitoring continued for 60 days more, after ceasing supplementation (D150). Ultrasonographic evaluations comprised determining the Doppler velocimetric parameters, testicular and epididymal volume, and testicular echotexture. Peak systolic velocity (PSV) as well as final diastolic velocity (EDV) in the supratesticular arteries (STA), and marginal artery (MA) increased during the period of treatment and kept that level up to D150. There was no difference between the fish-oil supplementation period and the unsupplemented one regarding the testicular and epididymal volume and echogenicity and heterogeneity characteristics. A negative correlation was found between heterogeneity of testis and sperm production (r = -.41, p = .008). Doppler velocimetry indices were affected by the supplementation, leading to an increase in testicular blood flow.

Calcification of the epididymis and the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

The aims of this study were to determine the incidence rates of genital calcification in male hemodialysis patients based on ultrasonography findings and to identify risk factors for this condition. Twenty-three male end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients (mean age, 51.4 +/- 12.1 years) who were on maintenance hemodialysis underwent penile and scrotal ultrasonography. For each case, we recorded the underlying renal disease and measured serum levels of phosphorus, intact parathormone, and calcium x phosphorus product. Patients were also questioned about erectile dysfunction. The control group consisted of 22 consecutive patients (mean age, 51 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus with normal renal function who underwent penile and scrotal ultrasonography for various reasons. In the ESRD group, ultrasound revealed calcification of the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa in 15 patients (65%) and calcification of the epididymis in 16 patients (70%; 14 bilateral and 2 unilateral cases). Twenty patients (87%) showed calcification of the epididymis and/or the tunica, and 10 (43%) showed calcification of both these tissues. The rates of epididymal and penile calcification in the ESRD patients and the controls were significantly different (P <.001 for both). There were no significant differences between patients with and without penile and epididymal calcification with respect to age, hemodialysis duration, frequencies of elevated serum phosphorus, elevated serum intact parathormone, elevated calcium x phosphorus product, and frequency of erectile dysfunction (ED) (P >.05 for all). Ultrasonography revealed high rates of penile (tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa) and epididymal calcification (65% and 70%, respectively) in the ESRD patients studied, but no association was found between risk factors such as age, underlying renal disease, hemodialysis duration, frequencies of elevated serum phosphorus, elevated serum intact parathormone, and elevated calcium x phosphorus product.

High-intensity focused ultrasound ablation of the epididymis in a canine model: a potential alternative to vasectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a noninvasive technology capable of inducing thermal coagulative necrosis of subsurface structures without injuring intervening tissues. We have previously reported on the feasibility of HIFU vasectomy in a canine model. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of HIFU ablation of the canine epididymis as an alternative to vasectomy. The epididymis may be a better target than the vas deferens because it is larger, more easily positioned in the HIFU focal zone, and more susceptible to occlusive injury at lower energy levels, thus reducing collateral damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hand-held HIFU clamp was used to grasp the epididymides of anesthetized dogs (eight surgically exposed and six grasped transcutaneously). An ultrasound transducer in the clamp focused energy on a 1 x 3 x 8-mm target zone centered between the clamp jaws. Ultrasonic energy (6-19 W) was delivered to this target zone for various times (16-150 seconds). The vas, epididymis, and testis were harvested for histologic examination 2 weeks after ablation. RESULTS: Seven of the eight epididymides ablated after surgical exposure demonstrated histologic findings associated with occlusion (fibrosis, hemorrhage, and proximal duct dilatation). Five of the six epididymides ablated transcutaneously also demonstrated histologic evidence of occlusion. Skin burns were evident overlying three epididymides, and one testicular injury was noted adjacent to an ablated region of the epididymis. CONCLUSION: High-intensity focused ultrasound ablation of the epididymis causes injury and histologic changes associated with epididymal occlusion. Further investigations are under way to optimize ablation parameters and to confirm azoospermia with ejaculate studies. Refinement of this technology may provide a rapid noninvasive alternative to conventional vasectomy.