Effects of Methotrexate on Testis: An Experimental Study on Albino Rats.

ABSTRACT

Background: Methotrexate was often used for prolonged period for satisfactory therapeutic results enhancing the chance of toxicity. Methotrexate was known for its toxic effects involving most of the organs of body including testis. Attempts were made earlier to find out changes in testicular structure of methotrexate toxicity, but details of histopathological reports were not available in literature. The aim of the present study was to see the histopathological changes on testis after giving methotrexate. Materials and methods: Twelve male albino rats were divided into experimental and control groups of equal animals. Former received methotrexate, 1mg per Kg, intraperitoneally, weekly for 6 weeks. Testicular tissue after perfusion fixation, were processed for wax embedding technique and the sections thus obtained were stained with H/E stains. Result: Marked histopathological alterations in seminiferous tubules, cells in its wall undergoing spermatogenesis and Leydig cells were observed. Conclusion: In younger patients the risk of infertility should be kept in mind while using it for prolonged period.