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Asian Journal of Andrology (2009) 11: 373-378. doi: 10.1038/aja.2008.8; published online 6 April 2009.
Early microrecanalization of vas deferens following biodegradable graft implantation in bilaterally vasectomized rats
Christopher M. Simons1, Barry R. De Young2, Thomas S. Griffith1, Timothy L. Ratliff1, Erin Jones3, Surya K. Mallapragada3 and Moshe Wald1
1 Department of Urology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1089, USA
2 Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1089, USA
3 Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
Correspondence: Dr Moshe Wald, Department of Urology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr., 3 RCP, Iowa City, IA 52242-1089, USA. Fax: +1-319-356-3900 E-mail: moshe-wald@uiowa.edu
Received 7 July 2008; Revised 17 August 2008; Accepted 5 September 2008; Published online 6 April 2009.
| Abstract |
We evaluated a biodegradable graft for reconstruction of rat vasa deferentia with long obstructed or missing segments. A total of 47 Sprague-Dawley rats underwent bilateral vasectomy and were divided into groups according to length of the vas deferens affected (0.5, 1, 1.5 cm). After 8 weeks, poly-(D,L-lactide) (PDLA) grafts were used to reconnect the vas deferens. Grafts and adjoining vasa deferentia were excised 8 and 12 weeks later and evaluated microscopically. At 8 weeks, microscopic changes included a robust inflammatory response around the grafts. All grafts were still intact but in the early stages of degradation. No microtubules, indicative of vas deferens recanalization, were identified. One specimen showed evidence of healing and neovascularization at the interface zone between the vas deferens and the graft. At 12 weeks, grafts were further degraded but still present. Microscopic evaluation showed decreased inflammation. Seven specimens showed neovascularization at the interface zone; two of these showed distinct epithelialized vas deferens microcanals at the graft edges. One specimen showed a microcanal spanning the entire 0.5-cm graft. A time period of 8 weeks is not ample enough for vas deferens regeneration in the setting of a biodegradable PDLA graft; however, early evidence of re-growth was seen at 12 weeks. A longer healing time should permit further biodegradation of the graft, as well as re-growth and possible eventual reconnection of the vas deferens, allowing passage of sperm. These findings suggest a potential role for biodegradable grafts in the reconstruction of vas deferens with long obstructed segments.
Keywords: graft, infertility, male, vas deferens |
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