Histological evaluation of testosterone propionate

ABSTRACT

Sexually mature sixty adult male rabbits were divided into six groups. Al and A2, A3 and A4 and A5 and A6. They were given injection TP s/c for one to three months. The animals in groups Al, A3 and A5 were sacrificed at monthly intervals for three months to check the effects of drug therapy on spermatogenesis. The animals in groups A2, A4 and A6 were kept further for one to three months without any drug therapy to check recovery of spermatogenesis and then sacrificed. Testis were removed and studied for various gross and histological parameters. In groups Al, A3 and A5 there was gradual regression of spermatogenesis but it was most marked and swift in group A5. There was a slow and gradual recovery of spermatogenesis only in group A6, while in group A2 and A4 recovery was minimal. TP cannot be used as an effective and reversible male hormonal contraceptive on long term basis due to its adverse effects on the testis in particular and on the body in general