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Article
Early microrecanalization of vas deferens following biodegradable graft implantation in bilaterally vasectomized rats
Asian Journal of Andrology
  • Christopher M. Simons, University of Iowa
  • Barry R. De Young, University of Iowa
  • Thomas S. Griffith, University of Iowa
  • Timothy L. Ratliff, University of Iowa
  • Erin Jones, Iowa State University
  • Surya K. Mallapragada, Iowa State University
  • Moshe Wald, University of Iowa
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2009
DOI
10.1038/aja.2008.8
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.

Comments

This article is from Asian Journal of Andrology 11 (2009): 373, doi: 10.1038/aja.2008.8. Posted with permission.

Rights
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright Owner
Simons et al.
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Christopher M. Simons, Barry R. De Young, Thomas S. Griffith, Timothy L. Ratliff, et al.. "Early microrecanalization of vas deferens following biodegradable graft implantation in bilaterally vasectomized rats" Asian Journal of Andrology Vol. 11 Iss. 3 (2009) p. 373 - 378
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/mallapragada_surya_k/2/