Study of testicular histology and histochemistry of albino rats after cyproterone acetate administration

ABSTRACT

The search for safe, effective and reversible contraceptive methods for men is an important goal to increase the available choices for couples to regulate their family size.This work was planned to study the histological and histochemical changes in rat testis after administration of cyproterone acetate [C A]; which is potent synthetic antiandrogen. The reversibility of these changes after arrest of the drug had also been studied. Thirty five adult male albino rats were utilized in this study. They were divided into control [14 rats] and treated [21 rats] groups. The control group was administered 1 ml distilled water orally daily. The treated group was subdivided into two subgroups; the 1[st] subgroup [9 rats] was administered CA at a dose of 1 mg /100 gm body, weight/day orally for one month. Three rats were sacrificed after that period and the others [6 rats] were further subdivided into 2 groups and left without treatment for one and two months. The 2[nd] subgroup [12 rats] was administered the same dose of the drug for two months. Three rats were sacrificed after that period and the others [9 rats] were further subdivided into 3 groups and left without treatment for one, two and three months. At the end of the estimated periods, testicular specimens were processed for histological and histochemical studies. Results revealed that CA produced degenerative changes in the testes in the form of disorganization, exfoliation of the spermatogenic cells and tubular shrinkage together with hyperplasia of the interstitial cells and congestion of the vasculature. An increase in PAS +ve reaction and decrease in methyl green-pyronin reaction were observed. These changes were time dependant and reversible 3 months after arrest of the treatment. It is concluded that CA could be used as reversible male contraceptive drug for short period of time. However, studying its effect on male fertility for long period of time in combination with androgen ester together with frequent assessment of serum testosterone is recommended