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Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Head Implants for the Neuroimaging of Awake, Head-Fixed Rats
Published on: September 7, 2022
Morphometry of Sperm Head in Rats Treated with an Antifungal Medication
N V Zaitseva1, M A Zemlyanova2,3, Yu V Kol'dibekova1
1Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, Perm, Russia.
Abstract:
The parameters of sperm head in Wistar male rats orally treated with antifungal agent for 48 days during spermatogenesis were studied by the method of image analysis. The degree of roundness (roughness) of sperm head was calculated. Significant differences in morphometric parameters of sperm head, such as length, width, head angle, and roundness were revealed between the treatment and control group. The index of deformation of sperm head in the treatment group rats was 4.93 arb. units. These data indicated microcephaly accompanied by the enlargement of the head, transition of an acute angle to a right angle, and acquiring of a round form. Potential gonadotoxicity was confirmed by the analysis of the functional activity of spermatozoids of male rats (increased count of spermatozoa with head pathology), fertilization ability (enhanced fertility index), and genotoxicity (increased number of chromosomal aberrations polychromatophilic erythrocytes of murine bone marrow). These changes can be responsible for reduced fertility.
Insights
Oral antifungal agent treatment in Wistar rats caused significant sperm head abnormalities and reduced fertility. This study highlights potential gonadotoxicity and genotoxicity, impacting male reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Spermatogenesis Studies
Background:
- Antifungal agents can potentially impact male reproductive health.
- Spermatogenesis is a complex process sensitive to environmental and chemical exposures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of oral antifungal agent administration on sperm head morphometry in Wistar rats.
- To assess the potential gonadotoxicity and genotoxicity of the antifungal agent.
Main Methods:
- Image analysis was used to measure sperm head morphometric parameters (length, width, angle, roundness).
- Functional activity of spermatozoa, fertilization ability, and genotoxicity (chromosomal aberrations) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in sperm head morphometry (length, width, angle, roundness) were observed in treated rats compared to controls.
- Increased spermatozoa with head pathology, enhanced fertility index, and elevated chromosomal aberrations indicated potential reproductive and genetic damage.
- Sperm head deformation, microcephaly, and rounding were noted in the treatment group.
Conclusions:
- The oral antifungal agent exhibits gonadotoxic and genotoxic effects in male Wistar rats.
- Observed sperm abnormalities and reproductive impairments suggest a risk of reduced fertility associated with antifungal exposure.
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