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Endocrine and testicular changes induced by olanzapine in adult Wistar rats
Simone de Siqueira Bringel1, Adelmar Afonso de Amorim Júnior, Marleyne José Afonso Accioly Lins Amorim
1Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
Abstract:
Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug that has been increasingly used in acute treatment of, and therapeutic support for, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other psychoses. Considering that olanzapine acts on the dopaminergic receptor and this receptor is detected in germ cells, the present study aims to investigate the effects of treatment with different doses of olanzapine on spermatogenesis, plasma testosterone and weight of androgen-dependent organs in rats. Results showed reduced plasma testosterone levels, and reduced testis, epididymis and prostate weights. Histopathologic and histomorphometric analysis of spermatogenesis indicated testicular degeneration. Furthermore, germ cell desquamation, syncytial multinucleated cells, Sertoli cell vacuolization and presence of necrotic and apoptotic germ cells wwew observed. Olanzapine treatment in rats promoted endocrinological changes and lesions in the testis, leading to a disturbance in spermatogenesis.
Insights
Olanzapine treatment in rats negatively impacted male reproductive health, causing reduced testosterone, testicular damage, and disturbed spermatogenesis. This antipsychotic may affect germ cell function.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
- Dopamine receptors, targeted by olanzapine, are present in germ cells.
- Potential impacts of olanzapine on male reproductive function require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effects of varying olanzapine doses on rat spermatogenesis.
- To assess olanzapine's impact on plasma testosterone levels.
- To evaluate changes in androgen-dependent organ weights in rats.
Main Methods:
- Rats were treated with different doses of olanzapine.
- Plasma testosterone levels were measured.
- Testis, epididymis, and prostate weights were recorded.
- Histopathological and histomorphometric analyses of testicular tissue were performed.
Main Results:
- Olanzapine treatment led to decreased plasma testosterone and reduced weights of testes, epididymides, and prostates.
- Testicular degeneration was observed, characterized by germ cell desquamation, multinucleated syncytial cells, Sertoli cell vacuolization, and increased germ cell apoptosis.
- Significant disturbances in spermatogenesis were evident.
Conclusions:
- Olanzapine administration in rats induces endocrinological changes and testicular lesions.
- The drug disrupts normal spermatogenesis, indicating a potential risk to male reproductive health.
- Further research is warranted to understand the clinical implications for male patients.
