Oxytocin: Old Hormone, New Drug

Oxytocin can decrease germ cells apoptotic index in testis under acute ischemia reperfusion in a rat model

Ischemia reperfusion (IR) is the main pathology of torsion of testis and it is a common urologic emergency. There is some evidence that shows oxytocin (OT) plays role in ischemia reperfusion.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate this hypothesis that OT can decrease germ cell apoptotic index in testis under acute ischemia reperfusion in a rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

20 adult rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control, IR, OT and IR+ OT (OTA). Testicular ischemia was achieved by 720° torsion of the left testis for 2 hr. Then, torsion was removed and reperfusion was performed. Immediately after induction of reperfusion 0.03 µg/kg OT were administered intraperitoneally to the IR+ OT. Three hours after surgery left testis was removed and evaluations were made by Johnson's score, ELISA, immunohistochemistry and histomorphometry for study of maturity of spermatogenesis, endocrine profiles, apoptosis and quantitative studies, respectively.

RESULTS

The results showed in addition tissue edema and congestion, a significant reduced in Johnson's score were detected in IR group in comparison with controls (p=0.01), and apoptotic index increased significantly (p=0.001). Administration of OT in OT+IR group, increased Johnson's score but it was not statistically significant. Germinal epithelium thickness was increased significantly (p=0.03), although apoptotic index decreased significantly in comparison with the IR group (p=0.04). However there was not significant difference in serum levels of testosterone, FSH and LH in none of groups (p=0.07).

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that OT can decrease apoptotic index and improves complication of acute ischemic reperfusion in testis in a rat model.

Oxytocin alleviates cisplatin-induced renal damage in rats

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of oxytocin on cisplatin (CP)-induced renal damage in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen adult Sprague Dawley rats, weighing 200 to 210, were administered by cisplatin (CP, 2 mg/kg/day) twice a week for five weeks. Then, they were randomly divided into two groups and treated with either saline (1 ml/kg/day) or OT (200 µg/kg/day) for five weeks. Seven rats served as control group. At the end of the treatment period, animals were sacrificed and their kidneys were assessed histologically. In addition, C-reactive protein (CRP), TGF-β and Akt expression were evaluated immunohistochemically.

RESULTS

Both tubules and glomeruli were found to be severely damaged with marked medullary tubulo-interstitial inflammation due to chronic cisplatin exposure, particularly in the salinetreated group (Group 1) compared to control group. Oxytocin treatment spared renal-tissue significantly by suppressing CRP and TGF-β , and enhancing Akt expression.

CONCLUSION

CONCLUSION

We conclude that renal damage due to cisplatin toxicity was prevented to a great extent by the anti-inflammatory effect of oxytocin.