Effect of calcium antagonists on rat's testis; serum prolactin and testosterone

ABSTRACT

The effect of chronic administration of phenylakylamine derivatives [Verapamil] on the gonadal structure and function of adult male rats were investigated and compared with dihydropyridine dervatifves [nifedipine and isradipine] 64 male albino rats were included in this study, they were divided into four equal groups the first group received water and served as control Verapamil 20 mg/kg/day, nifedipine 1 mg/kg/day and israpidine 0.3 mg/kg/day were given orally through a stomach tube without anaesthesia for 6 weeks to group II, III and IV respectively. Serum testosterone and prolactin were estimated by radioimmunoassay method. Furthermore, histopathological study of testis was performed Verapamil included marked alteration in histopathology of testis, which was followed by some recovery after drug withdrwal serum prolactin was significantly increased while serum testosterone was significantly decreased. The histopathologic changes in testis following nifedipine were less marked but irreversible, however, no significant decrease in serum testosterone level were observed. Israpidine, neither, induced histopathologicl changes in testis, nor changes in serum prolactin and testosterone thus, this study shows that the effects of calcium antagonists are variable on fertility, though israpidine is more safe for long term therapy