Terazosin-induced alterations in catalase expression and lipid peroxidation in the rat seminal vesicles.

Previous studies have shown that alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonists may alter seminal vesicle contractility and impair fertility in male rats. This study was designed to investigate the effects of terazosin on the catalase expression in the seminal vesicles and the lipid peroxidation of the seminal fluid in normal adult rats. Wistar rats were treated with terazosin (1.2 mg kg(-1) body weight, given orally every second day) for 120 days. Catalase expression was assessed immunohistochemically in tissue sections of the seminal vesicles, and lipid peroxidation was estimated by measuring the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the seminal vesicles' fluid. The seminal vesicles in terazosin-treated rats were particularly distended in comparison with those of controls, and their secreting epithelium was suppressed. Cytoplasmic catalase expression in the secreting epithelial cells (% of cells) was increased in terazosin-treated specimens in comparison with controls (76.1 ± 17.1 versus 51.3 ± 25.1, P = 0.005). MDA levels (µm) were also higher in samples from treated subjects in comparison with controls (2.67 ± 1.19 versus 1.39 ± 0.19, P = 0.01). Although the direct effect of terazosin treatment on the seminal vesicles is that of impaired contractility, an indirect effect is that on fertility by increasing lipid peroxidation in the seminal fluid and/or through degrading of hydrogen peroxide that is essential for sperm capacitation.

[Urogenital lesions diagnosed incidentally during evaluation for blunt renal injuries]. / Lésions urogénitales diagnostiquées par hasard au cours du bilan pour des contusions fermées rénales.

OBJECTIVES: Pre-existing pathology of the urogenital system may interfere with the pathophysiology of trauma, alter the radiographic imaging and influence the way of therapeutic approach. The aim of our study was to record the pathological lesions of the urogenital tract found incidentally during evaluation for blunt renal trauma and subsequently comment on their importance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The files of 675 patients referred to our department from 1982 to 1998 for further evaluation of possible blunt renal injury were reviewed. Our standard procedure is to perform an ultrasonogram and intravenous pyelography while CT scan and angiography are performed when indicated. No pediatric cases are encountered. RESULTS: Ultrasonographic and radiological evaluation revealed the presence of various congenital or acquired lesions of the urinary tract in 24 patients (3.5%). Lithiasis was the most common finding; multiple bladder stones and staghorn calculi were found in 8 and 4 cases, respectively. In 4 cases a renal mass other than hematoma was present while in 3 cases the trauma to the kidney was accompanied by rupture of large cortical cysts. Left renal agenesia was detected in 1 patient, a duplicated renal pelvis system in 1, bilateral ureterocele in 2, and retroperitoneal fibrosis in another patient. In 4 cases (2 with ruptured renal cyst, 1 with renal cell carcinoma and one with staghorn calculus) concomitant renal injury requiring immediate surgical intervention was detected. CONCLUSION: Lesions of the urinary tract found incidentally during evaluation for suspected renal injury are uncommon. However, they may complicate an otherwise negligible renal trauma while in some cases they may be of vital importance for the patient's final outcome.