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Published on: December 27, 2011

Pharmacological agents that affect sperm motility

Elena Antohi1, Cristina Gales, M Nechifor

  • 1"Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi.

Revista Medico-Chirurgicala a Societatii De Medici Si Naturalisti Din Iasi
|January 27, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Antibiotics like ceftazidime and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid can negatively impact sperm motility in rats. Ceftazidime showed a more significant reduction in sperm motility compared to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid at tested doses.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive toxicology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Male fertility is crucial and influenced by sperm motility.
  • Numerous drugs can adversely affect sperm motility, necessitating investigation into common medications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of specific antibacterial antibiotics on rat sperm motility.
  • To compare the effects of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and ceftazidime on sperm motility.

Main Methods:

  • Rats were administered varying daily doses of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid or ceftazidime for 10-12 days.
  • Sperm motility was assessed, and histopathological examinations were conducted on harvested tissues.
  • A control group received no antibiotic treatment.

Main Results:

  • Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid significantly reduced sperm motility by 49.33% (30 mg/kg) and 68.96% (150 mg/kg).
  • Ceftazidime demonstrated a more pronounced reduction, decreasing sperm motility by 83.79% (50 mg/kg) and 85.36% (250 mg/kg).
  • All tested doses showed statistically significant reductions in sperm motility (p<0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Ceftazidime exhibits a potent negative effect on sperm motility at therapeutic doses.
  • The impact of ceftazidime on sperm motility is greater than that of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid.

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