ABSTRACT
Background: One of the problems that addicts suffer from is decreased libido. Erectile dysfunction has been reported in men using opioids for treatment of heroin addiction. Objective: The study was performed to investigate the effects of morphine and detoxification with methadone as causes of sexual dysfunction in addiction. Methods and Methods: A total of 40 adult male rats [Wistar] were used. Animals were divided in to 4 groups. Control groups received saline for 30 days. Other 2 groups received 10 mg/kg morphine on day 1 and the morphine doses increased daily by 2 mg/kg increments per day until in day 30 a maximum of 68 mg/kg twice daily was achieved. Withdrawal syndrome sings were evaluated. At the end of period, one group of 2 morphine dependent groups was treated with methadone during 14 days. Animals in group 4 [saline solution+ methadone] received saline for 30 consecutive days and then detoxified with methadone during 14 days. Partial weights of seminal vesicles, testes, prostates, seminal vesicles content, concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and testosterone in serum were determined. Results: In the dependent group serum levels of testosterone [p<0.001], folicle stimulating hormone [p=0.0097] and luteinizing hormone [p=0.0031] as well as the weights of testes [p=0.0051], partial weights of prostates, seminal vesicles and seminal vesicles contents [p<0.001] were reduced as compared with control group. In the morphine dependent animals detoxified with methadone, testosterone concentrations and seminal vesicles contents remained lower than levels in the control group [p<0.001]. Conclusion: The results suggest that morphine dependence may impair the reproductive function in male rats
ABSTRACT
Background: although effects of trace elements on secretion of sex steroids and insulin have been studied, the effects of these hormones on serum level of trace elements have been rarely investigated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of testosterone and finasteride administration and castration on serum levels of testosterone, insulin, zinc and chromium
Methods: male adult rats [n = 32] were divided into 4 groups [n = 8]. Group 1, control; Group 2, castration, castration was done at the first day of the study; Group 3, finasteride [20 mg/kg/day, dissolved in drinking water] and Group 4, testosterone [5 mg/kg/day, i.p.]. At the end of the period of the study [35 days], serum testosterone, insulin, zinc and chromium levels were determined in the blood samples collected directly from the right atrium of the heart of the animals
Results: the data indicated that the serum levels of testosterone, insulin and zinc were significantly increased [P<0.01] in testosterone-administrated and finasteride groups, but the level of chromium was decreased in both groups [P<0.01]. Castrated group had the lowest serum levels of testosterone, insulin and zinc [P<0.05]. Also, the levels of serum chromium in this group were increased
Conclusion: the study demonstrates that testosterone and finasteride increases insulin and zinc levels and decreases chromium levels in the serum of male adult rats. According to these data, it seems that testosterone may affect glucose cycle through effect on serum insulin levels and trace elements such as zinc and chromium. Iran. Biomed. J. 17 [1]: 49-53, 2013
ABSTRACT
The secretion of thyroxin [T4] as the main hormone of thyroid gland is regulated by androgens. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of testosterone and finasteride administration and castration on serum levels of T4 and to show the effect of this regulation on total body weight, weight of testis, and the weight of prostate. Male adult rats [n = 32] were divided into 4 groups [n = 8]: Group 1 [control], Group 2 [castration], Group 3 [finasteride: 20 mg/kg/day] and Group 4 [testosterone: 5 mg/kg/day]. At the end of the study [35 days], serum level of thyroxin, body weight, weight of testis, and prostate were determined. The data showed that the body weight increased in castrated [P = 0.04] and decreased in testosterone [P = 0.00] groups but did not differ in finasteride [P>0.05] group. There were not any differences in the weight of testis among control, finasteride, and testosterone groups but the weight of prostate increased in testosterone group [P = 0.00] and decreased in castrated [P = 0.03] and finasteride groups [P = 0.04]. In addition, the serum level of T4 [nmo/ml] decreased in the three groups: finasteride [P = 0.03], testosterone [P = 0.04], and castrated [P = 0.00]. Testosterone in both high and low levels decreased the amount of T4 with a time-dependent manner
Subject(s)
Animals, Laboratory , Testosterone/pharmacology , Castration , Finasteride/pharmacology , Rats, WistarABSTRACT
The task force on plants for fertility regulation in men continued with its program to identify novel prototypes in plants alleged to have fertility regulating properties. Nigella sativa seeds are frequently used in folk medicine in the Middle East and some Asian countries for the promotion of good health and treatment of many ailments. To evaluate the role of alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa on fertility potential, Pituitary-testicular axis hormones and Testosterone in male rats. 24 male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups; control, group A and group B, each group comprising of 8 rats. Animals in control group received 1 ml of normal saline and treatment groups [A and B] received [gavage] graded doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa seeds on a daily basis for 60 days. At the end of treatment period, fertility parameters such as body and reproductive organs weight, sperm motility, viability and count, epididymal sperm reserve [ESR], daily sperm production [DSP], blood testosterone concentration, Gonadotropins levels and fertility index were measured. There was a significant difference in testes and epididymidis weight, sperm count, ESR, DSP, blood testosterone concentration, LH and fertility index in both the lower dose group and the higher group as compared to the control group. The results of this study showed that alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa seed especially in higher doses could increase fertility potential, LH and testosterone concentration in male rats.