Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Cimetidine-induced vascular cell apoptosis impairs testicular microvasculature in adult rats

Full text
Author(s):
Beltrame, Flavia L. [1] ; Yamauti, Caroline T. ; Caneguim, Breno H. [1] ; Cerri, Paulo S. ; Miraglia, Sandra M. [1] ; Sasso-Cerri, Estela [2]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Fed Univ Sao Paulo Unifesp, Dept Morphol & Genet, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Dept Morphol, Lab Histol & Embryol, Sch Dent, Fac Odontol Araraquara UNESP FOAr, BR-14801903 Araraquara, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: HISTOLOGY AND HISTOPATHOLOGY; v. 27, n. 10, p. 1343-1351, OCT 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 12
Abstract

Cimetidine, an H-2 receptor antagonist used for treatment of gastric ulcers, exerts antiandrogenic and antiangiogenic effects. In the testes cimetidine impairs spermatogenesis, Sertoli cells and peritubular tissue, inducing apoptosis in the myoid cells. Regarding the importance of histamine and androgens for vascular maintenance, the effect of cimetidine on the structural integrity of the testicular vasculature was evaluated. Adult male rats received cimetidine (CMTG) and saline (CG) for 50 days. The testes were fixed in buffered 4% formaldehyde and embedded in historesin and paraffin. In the PAS-stained sections, the microvascular density (MVD) and the vascular luminal area (VLA) were obtained. TUNEL method was performed for detection of cell death. Testicular fragments embedded in Araldite were analyzed under transmission electron microscopy. A significant decrease in the MVD and VLA and a high number of collapsed blood vessel profiles were observed in CMTG. Endothelial cells and vascular muscle cells were TUNEL-positive and showed ultrastructural features of apoptosis. These results indicate that cimetidine induces apoptosis in vascular cells, leading to testicular vascular atrophy. A possible antagonist effect of cimetidine on the H-2 receptors and/or androgen receptors in the vascular cells may be responsible for the impairment of the testicular microvasculature. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 10/02409-5 - Histopathological evaluation of interstitial tissue in cimetidine-treated rats and role of vitamin B12 on the spermatogenic repair
Grantee:Flávia Luciana Beltrame
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate