Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Anchorage of Twisted Testis: A Rat Model of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury of the Testis
Published on: November 14, 2025
Oxidative stress induced by torsion of the spermatic cord in young rats
Sergio Botelho Guimarães1, Alan Arruda Aragão, Jefferson Menezes Viana Santos
1Department of Surgery, Experimental Surgical Research Laboratory, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Prof. Costa Mendes 1608, 60430-140 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. mcirur@ufc.br
Purpose:
To evaluate the effects of the oxidative stress in an experimental model of torsion/detorsion of the spermatic cord and the legitimacy of this model for oxidative stress studies.
Methods:
Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomized in two groups (n=24): G-1 (Sham) and G-2 (Ischemia/Reperfusion). All rats received intraperitoneal saline injections (2.0 ml), at 21, 9, and 1 h before right spermatic cord torsion or first sham operation. Detorsion or second sham operation was carried out 3 h later followed by testis and blood samples collection (T-0). Additional samples were collected at 1-3-6 h time-points for assessment of testis malonaldehyde, glutathione, and plasma total antioxidant power (TAP).
Results:
Spermatic cord torsion/detorsion induced a significant increase in testicular malonaldehyde contents and a significant decrease in glutathione concentrations in ischemic rats compared with sham animals. Additional increase in malonaldehyde levels occurred during reperfusion in G-2 rats. TAP was similar in both groups denoting absence of systemic effects in this study.
Conclusion:
Torsion/detorsion of the spermatic cord for 3 h induces significant lipid peroxidation and reduction in glutathione content of the testis and is, therefore, a valid model for studying the oxidative stress effects of the ischemia/reperfusion injury in young rat testis.
