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Ribavirin-induced sperm shape abnormalities in Wistar rat
K Narayana1, Urban J A D'Souza, K P Seetharama Rao
1Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Light House Hill Road, Mangalore 575001, Karnataka, India. narayana68@yahoo.com
Mutation Research
|November 24, 2001
Summary
Ribavirin, a broad-spectrum antiviral, was found to be mutagenic to rat germ cells. This mutagenicity was transient, with sperm anomalies observed following treatment but not at later time points.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Genetics
Background:
- Ribavirin is a widely used broad-spectrum antiviral medication.
- Assessing drug mutagenicity on germ cells is crucial for reproductive safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the mutagenic potential of ribavirin on male rat germ cells.
- To determine the transient nature of ribavirin-induced germ cell mutations.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats were administered ribavirin (20, 100, 200 mg/kg) or cyclophosphamide (positive control) for five days.
- Sperm morphology assays were conducted at 14, 28, 35, 42, and 70 days post-treatment.
- Sperm were analyzed for normal and abnormal head and tail morphology.
Main Results:
- Both cyclophosphamide and ribavirin induced sperm head and tail anomalies.
- Ribavirin-induced mutagenicity was transient, with peak incidence observed between 14 and 42 days.
- No significant anomalies were noted at the 70-day assessment point.
Conclusions:
- Ribavirin exhibits mutagenic effects on rat germ cells.
- The mutagenic effects of ribavirin are temporary and resolve over time.