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Terazosin-induced alterations in catalase expression and lipid peroxidation in the rat seminal vesicles
D Mitropoulos1, E Patris, G Deliconstantinos
1Department of Urology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece. dmp@otenet.gr
Abstract:
Previous studies have shown that alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonists may alter seminal vesicle contractility and impair fertility in male rats. This study was designed to investigate the effects of terazosin on the catalase expression in the seminal vesicles and the lipid peroxidation of the seminal fluid in normal adult rats. Wistar rats were treated with terazosin (1.2 mg kg(-1) body weight, given orally every second day) for 120 days. Catalase expression was assessed immunohistochemically in tissue sections of the seminal vesicles, and lipid peroxidation was estimated by measuring the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the seminal vesicles' fluid. The seminal vesicles in terazosin-treated rats were particularly distended in comparison with those of controls, and their secreting epithelium was suppressed. Cytoplasmic catalase expression in the secreting epithelial cells (% of cells) was increased in terazosin-treated specimens in comparison with controls (76.1 ± 17.1 versus 51.3 ± 25.1, P = 0.005). MDA levels (μm) were also higher in samples from treated subjects in comparison with controls (2.67 ± 1.19 versus 1.39 ± 0.19, P = 0.01). Although the direct effect of terazosin treatment on the seminal vesicles is that of impaired contractility, an indirect effect is that on fertility by increasing lipid peroxidation in the seminal fluid and/or through degrading of hydrogen peroxide that is essential for sperm capacitation.
Insights
Terazosin treatment in rats increased catalase expression and lipid peroxidation in seminal vesicles, potentially impairing male fertility. This suggests alpha1-adrenergic antagonists may negatively affect reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonists can impact seminal vesicle function and male fertility.
- Terazosin is an alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonist with potential reproductive effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of terazosin on catalase expression in seminal vesicles.
- To assess the impact of terazosin on seminal fluid lipid peroxidation in rats.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats were orally administered terazosin (1.2 mg/kg) every other day for 120 days.
- Catalase expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry.
- Lipid peroxidation was measured by quantifying malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.
Main Results:
- Terazosin-treated rats exhibited distended seminal vesicles with suppressed secreting epithelium.
- Cytoplasmic catalase expression in seminal vesicle epithelial cells significantly increased (P = 0.005).
- Malondialdehyde levels, indicating lipid peroxidation, were significantly higher in treated rats (P = 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Terazosin treatment leads to increased catalase expression and lipid peroxidation in rat seminal vesicles.
- These changes may contribute to impaired seminal vesicle contractility and potentially reduced male fertility.
- The findings suggest an indirect negative impact of terazosin on fertility via oxidative stress and altered seminal vesicle function.