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

Effect of nigella sativa seeds [black seeds] extract on some hematological and biochemical parameters in rats

The effect of two different doses of Nigella sativa seeds [N.S.S.] extract on some hematological and biochemical parameters was investigated in male rats. The animals were divided into 3 groups. The first group was injected with saline and kept as a control. The second group was injected with 0.4 ml N.S.S. extract/kg B.W. [low dose], while the third group received the high dose [0.8 ml N.S.S. oil/kg B.W.]. All the injections were performed S/C once daily for one week. The present study revealed that the low dose of N.S.S. extract caused a significant increase in the concentrations of Hb, PCV and in the percentage of lymphocytes. Although, there was a significant increase in the number of RBCs. While, the WBCs count and the percentage of neutrophils, acidophils, basophils and monocytes were not significantly changed. The high dose of N.S.S. extract did not induce significant changes in all the studied hematological parameters. With respect to the biochemical parameters, the results showed that the cholesterol level was highly significantly decreased in both treated groups. Total serum proteins and globulins were significantly decreased in both treated groups. Total serum proteins and globulins were significantly increased in the group treated with the low dose of N.S.S. extract, while those treated with high dose were not affected. The serum albumin and urea were nonsignificantly affected in both treated groups. The serum glucose was significantly decreased in rats injected by the low dose, whereas the high dose did not exert the same effect