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An in vivo evaluation of induction of abnormal sperm morphology by ivermectin MSD (Mectizan)
O A Otubanjo1, A A Mosuro, T F Ladipo
1Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
Abstract:
The in vivo effects of orally administered ivermectin (Mectizan) on sperm head morphology of albino mice were evaluated. Four different dose levels of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 x the human therapeutic dose of 150 g kg(-1) body weight, were administered to the animals. The animals were exposed to a single oral treatment. The sperm of the mice from the cauda epididymes were examined 5 and 7 weeks after treatment. Ivermectin (Mectizan) induced sperm head abnormalities; however, the induction was not significantly elevated above the negative control value. Furthermore, the induction of the sperm head abnormalities was not strictly dose-dependent and there was also no correlation between dose level of administered drug and incidence of abnormal sperms. This indicates that the drug might not be mutagenic.
Insights
Oral ivermectin (Mectizan) administration in mice showed some sperm head abnormalities, but the effects were not significantly higher than controls. The study suggests ivermectin may not be mutagenic, as abnormalities were not dose-dependent.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ivermectin (Mectizan) is widely used for parasitic infections.
- Assessing potential adverse effects on reproductive health is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vivo effects of oral ivermectin on sperm head morphology in albino mice.
- To determine if ivermectin induces dose-dependent sperm abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Albino mice received single oral doses of ivermectin at 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 times the human therapeutic dose (150 µg/kg).
- Sperm head morphology was examined from the cauda epididymis 5 and 7 weeks post-treatment.
- Abnormal sperm head incidence was compared to a negative control group.
Main Results:
- Ivermectin administration resulted in sperm head abnormalities.
- The induction of abnormalities was not significantly elevated compared to the negative control.
- No strict dose-dependent relationship or correlation between administered dose and abnormal sperm incidence was observed.
Conclusions:
- The observed sperm head abnormalities induced by ivermectin were not significant.
- The lack of dose-dependency suggests ivermectin may not possess mutagenic properties concerning sperm morphology.
- Further investigation into potential reproductive toxicity is warranted.
