摘要
Aim: To investigate the possible role endothelin may play in the pathogenesis of varicocele and varicocele-induced infer-tility. Methods: In varicocele patients, radioimmunoassay is used to determine the blood endothelin concentration inthe spermatic vein and the antecubital vein separately. Results: The blood endothelin concentration of the spermaticvein (66.8±23.5 pg/mL) was significantly higher (P <0.05) than that of the antecubital vein (55.3±25.3 pg/mL).The endothelin concentration in the spermatic vein in Grade Ⅱ varicocele patients was not significantly different from thatin Grade Ⅲ patients ( P = 0.87). Conclusion: The higher blood endothelin level in the spermatic vein may indicate theinvolvement of endothelin in the pathophysiology of varicocele and varicocele-induced infertility. (Asian J Androl 1999Sep ; 1: 159 - 160)
Aim: To investigate the possible role endothelin may play in the pathogenesis of varicocele and varicocele-induced infer-tility. Methods: In varicocele patients, radioimmunoassay is used to determine the blood endothelin concentration inthe spermatic vein and the antecubital vein separately. Results: The blood endothelin concentration of the spermaticvein (66.8±23.5 pg/mL) was significantly higher (P <0.05) than that of the antecubital vein (55.3±25.3 pg/mL).The endothelin concentration in the spermatic vein in Grade Ⅱ varicocele patients was not significantly different from thatin Grade Ⅲ patients ( P = 0.87). Conclusion: The higher blood endothelin level in the spermatic vein may indicate theinvolvement of endothelin in the pathophysiology of varicocele and varicocele-induced infertility. (Asian J Androl 1999Sep ; 1: 159 - 160)