Histological study of the effect of cyclosporine-A on the testicular tissue of rats

ABSTRACT

Ten adult [3-6 months old] male albino rats weighing 250-300gm were used in this study aiming to evaluate the histological alternations in the rat testes received cyclosporine-A [CSA]. The animals were divided into two equal groups [5 animals each], a control group and an experimental one. Animals of the first group were received sterile water orally. Animals of the second group were treated daily with 30 mg/kg of body weight by [CSA] orally for one month. At the time of sacrifice, all the animals were anaesthetized with ether inhalation and their testes were carefully dissected and processed for light and electron microscope examination. Light microscope examination of the testes of treated animals revealed that the seminiferous tubules were widely separated, some of them appeared with irregular outlines, disorganization and sloughing of their germinal epithelium into their lumina. Many exfoliated germ cells appeared with pyknotic nuclei, also, arrest of spermatogenesis in most of the affected tubules were noticed. Also many large cavities also were seen in between the germinal epithelium. Examination by electron microscope of the treated testes showed spermatid with electron dense nuclei, with loss of their membrane and unrecognizable cytoplasmic organelles. Some giant bodies were containing two or more nuclei at different stages of apoptosis and multiple vacuoles were observed within the wall of tubules and in their lumina. Sertoli cells were the only lining in some of the seminiferous tubules, many apoptotic bodies were seen within their cytoplasm. Also, there was disruption of tight junction between their lateral processes. Also deformed sperms were noticed. The cytoplasm of Leydig cells contained many vacuoles. From this study, it could be concluded that cyclosporine impairs spermatogenesis and lead to testicular dysfunction. These finding will have an important bearing for man receiving cyclosporine for long periods to guide the physician adjusting long-term treatment