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Effects of methotrexate on rabbit testes. Part 1: Morphological changes.
M Koehler1, R Waldherr, R Ludwig
1Pediatric Clinic Silesian Medical School, Zabrze, Poland.
Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Repeated methotrexate (MTX) treatments in rabbits impaired fertility and caused testicular damage. Single doses did not significantly affect these parameters, suggesting cumulative effects of MTX on male reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Methotrexate (MTX) is utilized for its potential to eliminate leukemic cell infiltrations in gonads.
- Understanding the impact of MTX on testicular function is crucial for managing cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological and functional changes in rabbit testes following single high-dose or repeated low-dose intravenous MTX administration.
- To evaluate the effects of MTX on fertility and spermatogenic activity.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits received either a single dose (57.5 mg/kgBW) or repeated weekly doses (6 mg/kgBW for 14 weeks) of MTX intravenously.
- Testicular MTX concentrations were quantified using radioimmunoassay (RIA).
- Fertility and spermatogenic activity were assessed using the tubular fertility index (TFI).
Main Results:
- Testicular MTX concentrations were comparable between single-dose and repeated-dose groups.
- Only repeated MTX administration led to a reduction in TFI and observable degeneration of germinal cell lines.
- Morphological changes and reduced spermatogenic activity were evident after prolonged MTX exposure.
Conclusions:
- Repetitive MTX therapy can alter testicular morphology and impair spermatogenic activity, potentially affecting fertility.
- The cumulative effects of repeated MTX administration are more detrimental to testicular function than a single high dose.
- Further long-term studies are warranted to ascertain the full impact of these changes on future fertility.