The effect of hyperthermia on ductus epididymis

Hyperthermia is the condition of the body temperature rising above 41 ºC. Heat stress on ductus epididymis and deferens leads to abnormal spermium production and spermatogenesis. Hyperthermia induced oxidative stress and apopitosis can block by SOD and other antioxidants.In this study, we aimed to determine the protective effects of SOD on epididymis and deferens.Wistar-Albino rats were divided into nine groups. Control group set for 20 minutes in a pool which was 22 ºC temperature. On the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th groups NaCl+catalase, on the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th groups NaCl+catalase+SOD was applied then they were abandoned in 42 °C water bath for 20 minutes. After 30 minutes, 6, 24 and 72 hours the application of hyperthermia, tissues were taken.In morphogically, abnormal spermium including lumens show positive Caspase-3 reaction. This was accepted as an indicator of abnormal spermiums, which are caused by effects of hyperthermia, can reach ductus epididymis. It was also remarkable that in some areas, round spermatide heads directed into epithelium and even intruded into stereocilias. It was thought that, this direction can be caused by a mechanism which is organized by the principle cells, which were not destroyed in Sertoli cells. It was observed that, for all caspases, SOD application is reducing the immunreactivity in parallel to time.As a result, it was concluded that, the scrotal temperature elevation shows its effects on epididymis more than deferens; but the SOD application may suppress apoptosis in parallel to time by the increasing HSP70 level.