RESUMO
Seminal volume, motility and sperm cell concentrations and seminal plasma levels of fructose, lactate, pyruvate, citrate and non-esterified fatty acids were determined in the semen of male rabbits treated with a daily dose of 1 mg stilbestrol for 15 successive days, and were assessed in their relation to the reproductive state. The results revealed reduction in the seminal volume, motility and sperm cell concentration in the treated animals as compared with the findings in untreated rabbits. The fructose level increased while the lactate level followed by pyruvate, citrate and non-esterified fatty acids levels decreased after stilbestrol injection. Thus, frequent administration of stilbestrol results in changes in both physical and biochemical constituents of semen. The physical characters and chemical constituents measured were discussed on the basis of their vital importance in the reproductive processes.