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Published on: October 13, 2018
Antifertility effects of an LHRH agonist in male mice
1Centre for Endocrine Sciences, Sanjay Gandhi PG Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India.
Abstract:
This study was designed to investigate the effects of repeated high doses of an LHRH agonist on Swiss porton mouse seminiferous epithelium. Seminiferous epithelium showed more pronounced degenerative effects at the higher dose (1000 micrograms/kg wt/day) of the drug, with arrest of spermatogenesis at all stages of differentiation; effects on spermatogenesis become more evident after pachytene spermatocyte stage. The decrease in the testis-specific enzyme LDH-X is accounted for by the decrease in the number of cells of gametogenic origin. Although complete azoospermia was not observed, acute inhibition of motility of spermatozoa may account for severely decreased fertility rates after mating. However, reduced fertility rates due to decreased libido as a consequence of diminished testosterone levels cannot be discounted.
Insights
High doses of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist caused significant damage to mouse seminiferous epithelium and spermatogenesis. This led to reduced sperm motility and fertility, though complete azoospermia was not observed.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Toxicology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists are used in various therapeutic applications.
- Understanding their impact on male reproductive organs is crucial for safety assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of repeated high-dose LHRH agonist administration on the seminiferous epithelium of Swiss porton mice.
- To assess the impact on spermatogenesis, sperm parameters, and fertility.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered repeated high doses of an LHRH agonist (1000 micrograms/kg wt/day).
- Histological examination of seminiferous epithelium was performed.
- Spermatogenesis, sperm motility, and fertility rates were evaluated.
- Levels of the testis-specific enzyme lactate dehydrogenase C-X (LDH-X) were assessed.
Main Results:
- Pronounced degenerative effects on seminiferous epithelium were observed, particularly at higher doses.
- Spermatogenesis arrest occurred at all differentiation stages, becoming more evident after the pachytene spermatocyte stage.
- A decrease in LDH-X levels correlated with a reduced number of gametogenic cells.
- Acute inhibition of sperm motility was noted, leading to severely decreased fertility.
- Reduced testosterone levels may have contributed to decreased libido and fertility.
Conclusions:
- Repeated high-dose LHRH agonist treatment induces significant testicular toxicity and impairs spermatogenesis in mice.
- The observed effects on sperm motility and potential impact on libido contribute to reduced fertility.
- Further research is warranted to understand the long-term consequences and potential reversibility.
