Testicular and certain hormonal changes associated with oxytocin administration to rats

Oxytocin [500 mu] was injected daily to 48 adult male rats for three periods [4,8, and 12 weeks, respectively]. Results revealed significant decrease in both testicular and epididymal weights, and in semeniferous tubular diameter in most treated animals. Hormonal changes in the first period included significant increase in LH and FSH levels in the treated rats, followed by a decrease in their levels in subsequent periods. Sperm count of epididymal head showed a similar picture. These results indicate that chronic administration of oxytocin may have a detrimental effect on testosterone. secretion through down regulation