The examination of the histological changes in testes after interleukin-1 alpha intratesticuler injections in adult rats

THE EInterlekin-1 alpha (IL-1A) has an important role on the regulation of immunity and inflamatuary response. IL-1A is known to have both physiologic and pathophysiologic effects on testicular structures. In this study, histologic observation of the damage of IL-1A on testis tissues at lethal doses was aimed. 36 Wistar Albino male adult rats were used in the study. All rats, out of control group (n=4), were injected 250 ng IL-1A in both testicles by the help of micro-syringe. Testis tissues were taken out, routin histologic follows were conducted and histologic dying prosedures and TUNEL method was applied after the rats were sacrified by ether anesthesia and decapitation on the days 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 15 and 30. Parallel to the ongoing days, gradual increasing of tubular injury, degenerations on seminiferous tubular strcutures, immature germ cells shed into the lumens of tubules, folded basal membranes and widening in the interstitional region at the IL-1A injection group were observed. In addition to those, increased plasma cells on some of the tubules and affecting of sertoli-germ cell adhesion were observed. At the end of 30th day, even if the damage was not increased, no healing of tubulary degenerations, increasing of blood vessels, presence of congestion and affecting of testis tissues irreversibly by those injuries were observed. After TUNEL dying, by the identifying of apopitotic cells; strongest immunopozitivity, including degenerative cells on the day 4, 6, and 8, were identified. Gradually decreasing of the dying intensity on the days 15 and 30 was also noted. In conclusion, it was noted that IL-1A at lethal doses may cause unfavorable/negative effects on testicles and those effects may be irreversible on the subsequent days. Key Words: Interleukin-1 alpha, testis, adult rat, microscopy, histology