Improving testicular blood flow with electroacupuncture-like percutaneous nerve stimulation in an experimental rat model of testicular torsion

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the blood-flow-enhancing effect of electroacupuncture (EA) in an experimental rat model of testicular torsion. Methods: At the first stage, 3D color Doppler ultrasound (3D-CDUS) scans were made to detect baseline perfusion of each testicle in 12 male albino Wistar rats. Then, the left testicles of all rats were twisted 180 degrees clockwise, and 3D-CDUS recordings were repeated. In the next step, 10-Hz EA was applied for 5min over the T13 and L4 dermatome territories in the study group of six rats. In the control group of six rats, acupuncture needles were inserted in the same manner, but EA was not applied. Baseline, posttorsion, and postintervention (EA and manual needling) 3D-CDUS perfusion recordings were interpreted as volumetric data, and group comparisons were performed. Results: After EA, we observed statistically significant perfusion improvements in both the ipsilateral torsed and contralateral nontorsed testicles. In the control group, testicular perfusion did not show a significant change after manual needling. Conclusion: EA can improve testicular blood flow bilaterally in a rat model of unilateral testicular torsion at 180 degrees.