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The effect of enrofloxacin on sperm quality in male mice
Faruk Aral1, Füsun Karaçal, Füsun Baba
1Department of Artificial Insemination and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Harran University, Sanliurfa 63300, Turkey. faral@harran.edu.tr
Abstract:
Current study was designed to evaluate toxic effects of enrofloxacin on male mice reproductive system. In the treatment group enrofloxacin was administered subcutaneously to male mice at a fixed dose of 150 mg/kg once daily for 15 days, whereas saline solution was given in the same regimen in the control group for the same period. Mice were sacrificed on day 15 and analyzed for sperm quality. In addition to routine examination of sperm material, spermatogenetic activity and organization of each animal were graded according to Johnsen's scoring to assess the spermatogenesis relying on seminiferous tubule cross-section scores. A significant decrease in both epididymal sperm count and sperm motility besides abnormal spermatozoa rate were observed in enrofloxacin group compared to controls (P < 0.01, for all). Johnsen's score in control mice were better than those in treatment group (P < 0.01). These results suggested that a fixed 150 mg/kg dose of enrofloxacin would lead disruption of spermatogenesis in the testes causing deterioration of motility and content of sperms as well as morphological abnormalities.
Insights
Enrofloxacin exposure significantly harmed male mice reproductive health. This fluoroquinolone antibiotic disrupted sperm production and quality, indicating potential toxicity to the male reproductive system.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Enrofloxacin is a widely used fluoroquinolone antibiotic in veterinary medicine.
- Concerns exist regarding potential adverse effects of fluoroquinolones on reproductive health.
- Limited data is available on the specific impact of enrofloxacin on male reproductive parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxic effects of a specific dose of enrofloxacin on the male mice reproductive system.
- To evaluate the impact of enrofloxacin on sperm quality, including count, motility, and morphology.
- To assess the effect of enrofloxacin on spermatogenesis using Johnsen's scoring system.
Main Methods:
- Male mice were administered enrofloxacin (150 mg/kg/day) subcutaneously for 15 days.
- A control group received a saline solution following the same regimen.
- Sperm quality parameters and Johnsen's spermatogenesis score were analyzed post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Enrofloxacin treatment led to a significant decrease in epididymal sperm count and motility.
- A notable increase in the rate of abnormal spermatozoa was observed in the enrofloxacin group.
- Johnsen's scoring revealed significant disruption of spermatogenesis in enrofloxacin-treated mice compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- A daily dose of 150 mg/kg enrofloxacin disrupts spermatogenesis in male mice.
- Enrofloxacin exposure causes reduced sperm quality, including motility and morphology.
- These findings highlight the potential reproductive toxicity of enrofloxacin in male mammals.
