Objective:To investigate the effect of ultrasound-mediated microbubble destruction on the Sertoli cells of rat testis in vitro. Methods:Sertoli cells were isolated and cultured from SD rat testis.After ultrasound contrast agent was added into cell suspension

ultrasound was performed for 60 s at the frequency of 1 MHz

and the intensity of 0.5 W/cm2.At the point of 5 min

2

6

12

and 24 h after ultrasound performed

the expression of vimentin was detected by immunohistochemical staining

SOD

MDA in cell were detected and the cells were counted.Results:Ultrasound-mediated microbubble destruction decreased the expression of vimentin

increased MDA and decreased SOD at earlier time

but at later time(24 h)

MDA became normal

SOD increased and had no effect on Sertoli cells’survival. Conclusion:Ultrasound-mediated microbubble destruction can cause damage on structure and function of Sertoli cells reversibly

which can provide a new method for the study of male contraception.