The effect of gadolinium-based contrast agents on rat testis

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Toxicology
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are widely used in medical imaging.
• Previous research indicates GBCA accumulation in tissues, including the brain, after repeated administration.
• The potential impact of GBCAs on reproductive organs, specifically the testes, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of repeated administration of macrocyclic ionic (gadoteric acid) and linear nonionic (gadodiamide) GBCAs on rat testis tissue.
• To compare the testicular toxicity of these different types of GBCAs.

Main Methods:

• A prospective animal study involving 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats.
• Rats received repeated doses of gadodiamide or gadoteric acid over 5 weeks.
• Biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses of testis tissue were performed after 10 weeks.

Main Results:

• Repeated GBCA administration increased Leydig cell apoptosis, elevated serum Ca+2 levels, and reduced testosterone levels in rats.
• While not statistically significant, GBCA groups showed increased spermatozoa loss and immature germinal cell accumulation in seminiferous tubules compared to controls.
• Both linear and macrocyclic GBCAs demonstrated toxic effects on testicular tissue.

Conclusions:

• Gadolinium-based contrast agents, regardless of their chemical structure (linear or macrocyclic), exhibit toxicity to rat testicular tissue with repeated administration.
• These findings highlight potential risks associated with GBCA use, particularly concerning reproductive health.