Electroorchidogram. A preliminary study of the electric activity of the testicles in dogs

Since electric activity could be registered from various organs in the body, this study investigates the feasibility of recording such activity from the testicle. The testicles of 12 male dogs were exposed under anaesthesia and 3 electrodes were sutured to the tunica albuginea. In addition, transcutaneous recordings of the electric waves were performed. The effect of traumatic insult induced by testicular irradiation and by induction of hypogonadism on electric activity was studied. Spermatic cord clamping and orchidectomy was done to test their effect on the electric waves of the testicles. Electric waves were registered from the electrodes applied both directly and transcutaneously to the testicle. Each wave consisted of a negative followed by a positive deflection, with a mean frequency of 10.2 +/- 1.8 cycle s-1 and amplitude of 56.6 +/- 8.4 microV. The waves recorded from the 6 electrodes applied (3 directly and 3 transcutaneously) in the same animal had similar amplitude and frequency readings. No abnormal waves were registered. After testicular irradiation or induction of hypogonadism, a 'silent' or 'dysrhythmic' electroorchidogram was obtained. Spermatic cord clamping did not change the normal electroorchidographic pattern. No waves were recorded after orchidectomy (silent electroorchidogram). To conclude, an electroorchidogram was configurated for the normal testicle. It showed changes after testicular insult. It is assumed that the electroorchidogram might reveal changes in the pathologic conditions of the testicle and this requires further study.