Effect of imatinib on the biochemical parameters of the reproductive function in male Swiss albino mice
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
Molecular and Immunologic Techniques in a Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Published on: May 2, 2022
A M Prasad1, K Ramnarayan, K Nalini
1Department of Anatomy, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Background:
Treatment of cancers with cytotoxic agents such as tyrosine kinase inhibiting drugs often, but not always, result in transient to permanent testicular dysfunction. Germ cells are important targets of many chemicals. Most of the drugs are genotoxins and induce irreversible effect on genetic makeup. These mutagenic changes are proportionally related to carcinogenesis. This is alarmingly dangerous in youth and children, since these effects last longer, affecting fertility or forming basis for carcinogenesis. There is paucity of reports on planned studies of imatinib on the testicular function. Hence, the study was planned to assess the effects of imatinib on biochemical markers of testicular functions in male Swiss albino mice.
Materials And Methods:
Male Swiss albino mice were treated with imatinib and sacrificed at the end of first, second, fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth week after the last exposure to imatinib. The testis were removed, weighed, and processed for biochemical analysis.
Results:
The intratesticular testosterone level was significantly (P<0.001) reduced in treated groups and severe effect was observed on week 4 and 5. The intratesticular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was significantly increased by imatinib in all treated groups up to week 5.
Conclusion:
Imatinib does affect testosterone and LDH level significantly, but this effect is reversible once the drug is withdrawn. This finding may help the clinicians to plan and address the fertility-related issues in young patients of reproductive age who are being treated with imatinib for gastrointestinal tumors and chronic myeloid leukemia.
Insights
Imatinib treatment significantly impacts testicular function by reducing testosterone and increasing lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in mice. However, these effects are reversible after drug withdrawal, offering hope for managing fertility issues in young patients.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cytotoxic cancer drugs, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors like imatinib, can cause testicular dysfunction.
- Germ cells are vulnerable to genotoxic chemicals, potentially leading to infertility or carcinogenesis, especially in younger individuals.
- Limited research exists on imatinib's specific effects on testicular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of imatinib on biochemical markers of testicular function in male Swiss albino mice.
- To assess the reversibility of imatinib-induced testicular changes.
Main Methods:
- Male Swiss albino mice were administered imatinib.
- Testicular tissues were collected at various time points post-treatment (weeks 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10) for biochemical analysis.
Main Results:
- Intratesticular testosterone levels significantly decreased (P<0.001) in imatinib-treated mice, with severe effects noted at weeks 4 and 5.
- Intratesticular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels significantly increased in all treated groups up to week 5.
Conclusions:
- Imatinib significantly alters testosterone and LDH levels, indicating testicular toxicity.
- The observed effects on testicular function are reversible upon cessation of imatinib treatment.
- Findings can guide clinicians in managing fertility concerns for young patients undergoing imatinib therapy for cancers like gastrointestinal tumors and chronic myeloid leukemia.
More Related Videos
06:16White and Brown Adipose Grafts: An Approach to Correct Reproductive, Metabolic, and Renal Deficits in Black and Tan Brachyury (BTBR) Obese Mice
Published on: September 9, 2025
06:38Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats
Published on: October 13, 2018