DNA flow cytometry is a sensitive and rapid technique to evaluate the germ cell maturation of testis. The haploid cell population of testis specifically denotes testicular maturation. High
ligation of spermatic vessels (HLSV) and low
ligation of spermatic vessels (LLSV) have been described in the surgical treatment of high
undescended testis. Estimation of germ cell population of testis after these maneuvers has not been performed so far by
DNA flow cytometry; hence this study was designed. Thirty male rats, aged 30 days, were randomized into three groups. Group I underwent
sham surgery; group II underwent unilateral HLSV-
ligation and division of main spermatic vessels, similar to the Fowler-Stephens technique; and group III underwent unilateral LLSV-
ligation and division of main spermatic vessels close to the testis, similar to the Koff and Sethi technique. Thirty days later, the ipsilateral testes were harvested, and haploid, diploid, and
tetraploid cells were counted by
DNA flow cytometry. The mean (+/-SD) percentage of the haploid cell population was 68.7+/-4.8, 49.3+/-6.5, and 50.8+/-6.4 in groups I, II, and III, respectively. There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in haploid cell population between groups I and II and between groups I and III. However, there was no significant difference between groups II and III. In conclusion, prepubertal HLSV as well as LLSV decreases the haploid cell population of ipsilateral testis in rats. LLSV has no advantage over HLSV.