Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The effects of melatonin on electrical field stimulation-evoked biphasic twitch responses in the ipsilateral and contralateral rat vasa deferentia after unilateral testicular torsion/detorsion

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

It is not known whether there is an impairment in vas deferens motility after unilateral testicular torsion/detorsion. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether the electrical field stimulation (EFS)-evoked biphasic contractions are altered in ipsilateral and contralateral rat vasa deferentia obtained from animals exposed to the unilateral testicular torsion/detorsion procedure. We also evaluated the effects of melatonin (MLT), which is a strong antioxidant, on these contractile responses. Rats were subjected to torsion of the left testis for 2 h and then detorsion was performed. Contractility studies were carried out 2 h or 24 h after detorsion. Vas deferens strips were prepared from both the ipsilateral and the contralateral site 2 h or 24 h after the detorsion procedure to record EFS-evoked biphasic twitch responses. The same experimental protocol was repeated for the MLT-treated rats. Both phases of EFS-evoked contractions were decreased after torsion/detorsion in the ipsilateral vas deferens. MLT treatment increased torsion/detorsion-induced reduction of both phases of contractions after 2 h and 24 h. In the contralateral vas deferens, the first phase of EFS-evoked contractions was not changed, while the second phase of contractions was diminished 2 h and 24 h after detorsion. Although MLT decreased the second phase of contractions 2 h and 24 h after detorsion, it reduced the first phase of contractions only 2 h after detorsion. These results suggest that MLT produces an inhibition on EFS-evoked biphasic twitch responses in the ipsilateral and contralateral rat vasa deferentia following unilateral testicular torsion/detorsion in the rat.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Akgur FM, Kilinc K, Aktug T (1993) Reperfusion injury after detorsion of unilateral testicular torsion. Urol Res 21:395–399

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Akgür FM, Kilinç K, Aktug T, Mustafa O (1994) The effect of allopurinol pretreatment before distorting testicular torsion. J Urol 151:1715–1717

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson JB, Williamson RCN (1988) Testicular torsion in Bristol: a 25 year review. Br J Surg 75:988–992

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Arendt J (1988) Melatonin. Clin Endocrinol 29:205–229

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Asano G, Takashi E, Ishiwata T, Onda M, Yokoyama M, Naito Z, Ashraf M, Sugisaki Y (2003) Pathogenesis and protection of ischemia and reperfusion injury in myocardium. J Nippon Med Sch 70:384–392

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ayar A, Martin DJ, Ozcan M, Kelestimur H (2001) Melatonin inhibits high voltage activated calcium currents in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion neurones. Neurosci Lett 313:73–77

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baeurle PA, Henkel T (1994) Function and activation of NF-kappa B in the immune system. Annu Rev Immunol 12:141–179

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Barsacchi R, Kusmic C, Damiani E, Carloni P, Greci L, Donato L (1998) Vitamin E consumption induced by oxidative stress in red blood cells is enhanced by melatonin and reduced by N-acetylserotonin. Free Radic Biol Med 24:1187–1192

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baysal E, Sullivan SG, Stern A (1989) Prooxidant and antioxidant effects of ascorbate on tBuOOH-induced erythrocyte membrane damage. Int J Biochem 21:1109–1113

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bolay H, Gursoy-Ozdemir Y, Sara Y, Onur R, Can A, Dalkara T (2002) Persistent defect in transmitter release and synapsin phosphorylation in cerebral cortex after transient moderate ischemic injury. Stroke 33:1369–1375

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Burnstock G (1995) Noradrenaline and ATP: cotransmitters and neuromodulators. J Physiol Pharmacol 46:365–384

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cass AS (1990) Torsion of the testis. Postgrad Med 87:69–70; (73–74)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ceraulo L, Ferrugia M, Tesoriere L, Segreto S, Livrea MA, Liveri TV (1999) Interactions of melatonin with membrane models: portioning of melatonin in AOT and lecithin reversed micelles. J Pineal Res 26:108–112

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chevion M (1988) A site-specific mechanism for free radical induced biological damage: the essential role of redox-active transition metals. Free Radic Biol Med 5:27–37

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chinoy NJ, Chinoy MR (1981) Infertility induced by prostaglandins in albino rats by adrenergic block in the vas deferens. Int J Fertil 26:1–7

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Costa EJX, Shida CS, Biaggi MH, Ito AS, Lamy-Freund MT (1997) How melatonin interacts with lipid bilayers: a study by fluorescence and ESR spectroscopies. FEBS Lett 416:103–106

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cuzzocrea S, Riley RP, Caputi AP, Salvemini S (2001) Antioxidant therapy: a new pharmacological approach in shock, inflammation, and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Pharmacol Rev 53:135–159

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eiserich JP, Patel RP, O’Donnell VB (1998) Pathophysiology of nitric oxide and related species: free radical reactions and modification of biomolecules. Mol Aspects Med 19:221–357

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Filho DW, Torres MA, Bordin AL, Crezcynski-Pasa TB, Boveris A (2004) Spermatic cord torsion, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Mol Aspects Med 25:199–210

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Forfar JC, Russell DC, Riemersma RA (1985) Control of myocardial catecholamine release during acute ischemia. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 5:S33–S39

    Google Scholar 

  • Ginn-Pease ME, Whisler RL (1998) Redox signals and NF-kappaB activation in T cells. Free Radic Biol Med 25:346–361

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grace PA (1994) Ischemia-reperfusion injury. Br J Surg 81:637–647

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta YK, Gupta M, Kohli K (2003) Neuroprotective role of melatonin in oxidative stress vulnerable brain. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 47:373–386

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Halliwell B (1989) Superoxide, iron, vascular endothelium and reperfusion injury. Free Radic Res Commun 5:315–318

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ianas O, Olinescu R, Badescu I (1991) Melatonin involvement in oxidative processes. Endocrinologie 29:147–153

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • James AM, Smith RA, Murphy MP (2004) Antioxidant and prooxidant properties of mitochondrial Coenzyme Q. Arch Biochem Biophys 423:47–56

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kang SA, Jang YJ, Park H (1998) In vivo dual effects of vitamin C on paraquat-induced lung damage: dependence on released metals from the damaged tissue. Free Radic Res 28:93–107

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • K-Laflamme A, Wu L, Foucart S, de Champlain J (1998) Impaired basal sympathetic tone and alpha1-adrenergic responsiveness in association with the hypotensive effect of melatonin in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Am J Hypertens 11:219–229

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Krarup T (1978) The testes after torsion. Br J Urol 50:43–46

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leibovitch I, Buttyan R (1991) Sulfated glycoprotein-2 induced endogenous resistance to ischemia and reperfusion injury in the seminiferous tubules. Am J Reprod Immunol 26:114–117

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Marchiafava PL, Longoni B (1999) Melatonin as an antioxidant in retinal photoreceptors. J Pineal Res 26:184–189

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mulryan K, Gitterman DP, Lewis CJ, Vial C, Leckie BJ, Cobb AL, Brown JE, Conley EC, Buell G, Pritchard CA, Evans RJ (2000) Reduced vas deferens contraction and male infertility in mice lacking P2X1 receptors. Nature 403:86–89

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Neuzil J, Thomas SR, Stocker R (1997) Requirement for, promotion, or inhibition by alpha-tocopherol of radical-induced initiation of plasma lipoprotein lipid peroxidation. Free Radic Biol Med 22:57–71

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Prillaman HM, Turner TT (1997) Rescue of testicular function after acute experimental torsion. J Urol 157:340–345

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ratych RE, Bulkley GB (1986) Free-radical-mediated postischemic reperfusion injury in the kidney. J Free Radic Biol Med 2:311–319

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reiter RJ (1991) Melatonin: that ubiquitously acting pineal hormone. News Physiol Sci 6:223–227

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reiter RJ (1995) The pineal gland and melatonin in relation to aging: a summary of the theories and of the data. Exp Gerontol 30:199–212

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reiter RJ, Tan DX (2003) Melatonin: a novel protective agent against oxidative injury of the ischemic/reperfused heart. Cardiovasc Res 58:10–19

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reiter RJ, Guerrero JM, Garcia JJ, Acuna-Castroviejo D (1998) Reactive oxygen intermediates, molecular damage and aging: relation to melatonin. Ann NY Acad Sci 854:410–424

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reiter RJ, Tan DX, Osuna C, Gitto E (2000) Actions of melatonin in the reduction of oxidative stress: a review. J Biomed Sci 7:444–458

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reyes-Vazquez C, Naranjo-Rodriguez EB, Garcia-Segoviano JA, Trujillo-Santana JT, Prieto-Gomez B (1997) Apamin blocks the direct relaxant effect of melatonin on rat ileal smooth muscle. J Pineal Res 22:1–8

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rodriguez C, Mayo JC, Sainz RM, Antolin I, Herrera F, Martin V, Reiter RJ (2004) Regulation of antioxidant enzymes: a significant role for melatonin. J Pineal Res 36:1–9

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Satake N, Shibata S, Takagi T (1986) The inhibitory action of melatonin on the contractile response to 5-hydroxytryptamine in various isolated vascular smooth muscles. Gen Pharmacol 17:553–558

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Savaş C, Dindar H, Aras T, Yücesan S (2002) Pentoxifylline improves blood flow to both testes in testicular torsion. Int Urol Nephrol 33:81–85

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sies H (1986) Biochemistry of oxidant stress. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 25:1058–1071

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sneddon P, Machaly M (1992) Regional variation in purinergic and adrenergic responses in isolated vas deferens of rat, rabbit and guinea-pig. J Auton Pharmacol 12:421–428

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sun JZ, Tang XL, Park SW, Qiu Y, Turrens JF, Bolli R (1996) Evidence for an essential role of reactive oxygen species in the genesis of late preconditioning against myocardial stunning in conscious pigs. J Clin Invest 97:562–576

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Swain JA, Darley-Usmar V, Gutteridge JM (1994) Peroxynitrite releases copper from caeruloplasmin: implications for atherosclerosis. FEBS Lett 342:49–52

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tanyel FC, Buyukpamukçu N, Hiçsonmez A (1989) Contralateral testicular blood flow during unilateral testicular torsion. Br J Urol 63:522–524

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Turan C, Kucukaydin N, Bekerecioglu A, Kazez A, Dogan P, Kucukaydin M (1996) The effect of vitamin E on ipsilateral and contralateral testis following unilateral testicular torsion in rats. Res Exp Med (Berl) 196:243–246

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tylicki L, Rutkowski B, Horl WH (2003) Antioxidants: a possible role in kidney protection. Kidney Blood Press Res 26:303–314

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ventura S (1998) Autoinhibition, sympathetic cotransmission and biphasic contractile responses to trains of nerve stimulation in the rodent vas deferens. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 25:965–973

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • White BC, Sullivan JM, DeGracia DJ, O’Neil BJ, Neumar RW, Grossman LI, Rafols JA, Krause GS (2000) Brain ischemia and reperfusion: molecular mechanisms of neuronal injury. J Neurol Sci 179:1–33

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the valuable scientific critique by Rüştü Onur.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, Gazi University, Beşevler, 06510, Ankara, Turkey

    Süreyya Barun, İsmail Mert Vural, Zeynep Sevim Ercan & Yusuf Sarıoğlu

  2. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical School, Kocaeli University, 41100, Kocaeli, Turkey

    Gülşen Ekingen

  3. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical School, Gazi University, Beşevler, 06510, Ankara, Turkey

    Zafer Türkyılmaz, Can Başaklar & Nuri Kale

Authors
  1. Süreyya Barun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Gülşen Ekingen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. İsmail Mert Vural
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Zafer Türkyılmaz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Can Başaklar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Nuri Kale
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Zeynep Sevim Ercan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Yusuf Sarıoğlu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Süreyya Barun.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Barun, S., Ekingen, G., Mert Vural, İ. et al. The effects of melatonin on electrical field stimulation-evoked biphasic twitch responses in the ipsilateral and contralateral rat vasa deferentia after unilateral testicular torsion/detorsion. Naunyn Schmied Arch Pharmacol 371, 351–358 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-005-1073-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-005-1073-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation