Effect of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor [sertraline] on some reproductive aspects of mature male rats and plasma trace elements concentration

Administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRI] interferes with male reproduction and trace element concentrations. The mechanism of action of antiserotonin [sertraline] is presumed to be linked to its ability to inhibit the neuronal reuptake of serotonin. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of sertraline on reproductive system of mature male rats and on some plasma trace element concentrations. Twenty mature male rats were divided into 2 equal groups [10 rats/group], one group was administrated with sertraline [10mg/kg.b.w.]via stomach tube for 70 days while the other group administrated 1ml saline and considered as control groups. Results showed that seminal vesicles were significantly [P<0.05] decreased in weight. Also, sertraline resulted in significant [P<0.05] decrease of sperm motility [30%] compared to [70%] in control group. Histological sections prepared from sertraline treated rats showed degenerative and necrotic changes with few spermatocytic giant cells. Seminal vesicles were activated in sertraline treated rats and increased eosinophilic secretions. Plasma concentration of testosterone was significantly [P<0.05] decreased in sertraline treated rats as compared to its level in control rats. Moreover plasma concentration of iron in sertraline treated rats showed significant [P<0.05] decrease compared to control group, while plasma concentration of copper in sertraline treated rats showed significant [P<0.05] increase, but was concluded that serotonin inhibitor adversely affect the reproductive aspects of male rats and induced alteration in some plasma trace element concentration

Antifertility effects of melatonin in male rats

The effects of melatonin on the reproductive organs and testosterone concentration were investigated in adult male rats. Melatonin administration, intraperitoneal [0.5 mg/rat], for successive 14 days resulted in a significant decrease in the testes, epididymis seminal vesicle and fat body weight. Varying degrees of degeneration and necrosis of seminiferous tubules associated with marked interstitial and subcapsular oedema were observed. Plasma testosterone concentration was significantly decreased [1.76 ng/ml] in melatonin treated rats as compared to the control [2.75 ng/ml]

Effect of different types of prolactin and suckling period on lactational anoestrus in female albino rats

Mother rats were allowed to suckling their pups for 24, 20, 16, 12 and 0 [no suckling] hours. A significant decrease in the lactational anestrus period was observed in mother rats suckled their pups for 16, 12 and 0 hours. Subcutaneously injection of bovine and rat prolactin for five days and suckling of the pups for 12 and 0 hours daily caused significant increase in lactational anoestrus period when compared to that injected with saline or ovine prolactin. The results demonstrated that the duration of lactational anoestrus is directly proportional with intensity or duration of suckling, in the same time exogenous injection of rat and bovine prolactin increases anoestrus period while ovine prolactin has not. From this study, it could concluded that the postpartum in the rat is the result of synergy between suckling and increased serum prolactin levels

Role of suckling period on serum and pituitary prolactin level in female albino rats

This study has been done on lactating female albino rats, to explain the role of suckling period on the level of prolactin in sera and pituitaries. The results indicated that pituitary and serum prolactin content [assayed by radioimmunoassay] in female rats after parturition were affected significantly with prolongation of suckling period