Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 7, 2026
12:06
Collection of Post-mating Semen from the Female Reproductive Tract and Measurement of Semen Liquefaction in Mice
Published on: November 18, 2017
18.1K
Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonists and Semen Quality
1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology
|July 16, 2015
Summary
Histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) impact male fertility differently. Cimetidine negatively affects semen quality, while famotidine shows no significant impact, and effects of ranitidine and nizatidine remain debated.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are commonly prescribed for acid-related gastrointestinal disorders like ulcers and GERD.
- Widespread use of H2RAs, including ranitidine and famotidine, necessitates understanding their potential impact on male reproductive health.
- The specific effects of H2RAs on semen quality and male infertility remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and summarize the effects of various H2RAs on semen quality.
- To specifically evaluate the impact of cimetidine, ranitidine, nizatidine, and famotidine on sperm function.
- To identify potential links between H2RA use and male infertility.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and summary of existing literature.
- Analysis of studies investigating the effects of cimetidine, ranitidine, nizatidine, and famotidine on semen parameters.
- Focus on sperm function as a key indicator of reproductive capacity.
Main Results:
- Cimetidine demonstrates adverse effects on semen quality.
- The impact of ranitidine and nizatidine on semen quality is currently controversial and requires further investigation.
- Famotidine does not appear to significantly alter semen quality.
Conclusions:
- Different H2RAs exhibit varying effects on male semen quality.
- Cimetidine poses a risk to semen quality, whereas famotidine appears safe.
- Further research is needed to elucidate histamine-2 receptor-independent effects and conduct direct comparative clinical studies of H2RAs.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Acid Suppressive Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Histamine H2-Receptor Antagonists
1.3K
Histamine H2 receptors, which are intricately located on the basolateral membrane of parietal cells, play a crucial role in modulating gastric acid secretion. When released from enterochromaffin-like cells, histamine engages H2 receptors, initiating the cyclic AMP (cAMP) pathway. In this pathway, adenylyl cyclase converts ATP into cAMP, elevating intracellular cAMP levels. The activation of protein kinase A follows, stimulating the proton pump. This stimulation prompts the secretion of hydrogen...
1.3K
01:23Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
1.3K
Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter synthesized by enterochromaffin cells, plays a cardinal role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. With over 90% of the body's total serotonin in the GI tract, its influence on digestive processes is profound. Serotonin is swiftly released upon various stimuli, such as food boluses or certain drugs, triggering intrinsic sensory neurons in the myenteric plexus and extrinsic vagal and spinal sensory neurons. This leads to the activation of the...
1.3K
01:22Sperm Structure and Semen Composition
14.6K
During ejaculation, males release around 2-5 milliliters of semen, which is a complex mixture of mature sperm and various fluids produced by accessory glands. The mature sperm cells measure approximately 60 micrometers in length and consist of a head, neck, midpiece, and tail. The head is flattened and tapered, measuring about 4 to 5 micrometers in length. It contains a nucleus with condensed chromosomes and an acrosome, a cap-like structure filled with enzymes essential for penetrating the...
14.6K
01:27Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
838
5-HT3 receptor antagonists, such as dolasetron, granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran), and palonosetron (Axoli), are crucial in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and postoperative nausea. These drugs selectively block 5-HT3 receptors in the visceral vagal and spinal afferent nerves, chemoreceptor trigger zone, and the vomiting center. They have a rapid onset of action and can be given as a single dose before chemotherapy. Ondansetron and granisetron, in particular,...
838
01:24Cholinergic Antagonists: Pharmacokinetics
1.1K
Cholinergic antagonists—such as antimuscarinics—are available in oral, topical, ocular, parenteral, and inhalational formulations. Most antimuscarinics are oral formulations, while scopolamine is available as a topical patch, and ipratropium and tiotropium are available as inhalation aerosols or powders. Atropine, tropicamide, and cyclopentolate are topically instilled in the eye. Most antimuscarinics are lipid-soluble and readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and...
1.1K
01:28Cholinergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions
2.0K
Antimuscarinic drugs block muscarinic receptors in multiple systems, including the gut, eye, smooth muscles, respiratory tract, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems. They produce similar effects with varying selectivity depending on the specific agent and tissue. Here are the key pharmacological actions of antimuscarinics:
Gastrointestinal Effects: Antimuscarinics reduce gut contractions, increase gastric emptying, and slow intestinal transit. They partly inhibit gastric acid secretion...
Gastrointestinal Effects: Antimuscarinics reduce gut contractions, increase gastric emptying, and slow intestinal transit. They partly inhibit gastric acid secretion...
2.0K