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Updated: May 14, 2026
Inducible and Reversible Dominant-negative (DN) Protein Inhibition
Published on: January 7, 2019
Adverse effect of tetracycline and doxycycline on testicular tissue and sperm parameters in CD1 outbred mice
Fatima Elzeinová1, Jana Pěknicová, Lukáš Děd
1Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic v.v.i., Prague, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
Tetracycline and doxycycline are commonly used antibiotics in acne treatment during puberty in humans. The long-term effect of these antibiotics on male reproductive tract development has not been fully elucidated. For this reason we tested the effect of antibiotics on the reproductive parameters of mice males during puberty with the therapeutic dose used in humans, and with lower and higher doses. The outbred mouse strain CD1 with higher heterozygosity was exposed for 14 days at puberty. Adult males at the age of 70 days were used for the measurements. We observed a significant decrease in anogenital distance and thickness of the seminiferous epithelium in the treated animals. Pathological changes in the testes had an impact on sperm quality; a higher number of sperm positively stained with Annexin V and TUNEL and a lower number of acrosome-intact sperm was detected. In conclusion, the treatment of male mice with antibiotics in puberty led to long-lasting effects on reproductive organs and spermatozoa in adult males.
Insights
Puberty antibiotic exposure, including tetracycline and doxycycline, negatively impacts male reproductive health long-term. Studies show decreased anogenital distance and impaired sperm quality in adult mice.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Tetracycline and doxycycline are widely used for acne during human puberty.
- Long-term effects of these antibiotics on male reproductive development remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the lasting impact of antibiotic treatment during puberty on male reproductive parameters in mice.
- To assess effects at human therapeutic, lower, and higher doses.
Main Methods:
- Outbred CD1 mice were exposed to antibiotics for 14 days during puberty.
- Reproductive parameters were measured in adult males (70 days old).
- Anogenital distance, seminiferous epithelium thickness, and sperm quality (Annexin V, TUNEL, acrosome integrity) were assessed.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic treatment significantly reduced anogenital distance and seminiferous epithelium thickness.
- Testicular pathology correlated with reduced sperm quality, showing increased Annexin V and TUNEL staining.
- A decrease in acrosome-intact sperm was observed in treated mice.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic exposure during puberty causes persistent adverse effects on male reproductive organs and sperm in adult mice.
- These findings highlight potential risks of common acne treatments on male reproductive development.
