Modification of germinal epithelium ischemia by perfusion

Three groups of dogs underwent testicular ischemia for a 3-hour period. Group I (10 animals) was not subsequently perfused. Group II (10 animals) underwent subsequent perfusion by a new in vivo reversible method via the internal spermatic artery with heparinized saline. Group III (5 animals) underwent perfusion with Sacks' solution. At 3 weeks' time the histology of the testes of the three groups was compared. Group I showed a 75.5% decrease in the germinal epithelium. Group II showed a 21.4% decrease. Group III showed a 31.8% decrease. The survival rate of the germinal epithelium in the two perfused groups was significantly improved (P less than 0.01).