Effects of some beta-adrenergic blockers on male fertility parameters in rats

The effects of atenolol (9 and 18 mg/kg.b.wt.), metoprolol (3.5 and 7 mg/kg.b.wt.) and propranolol (7.5 and 15 mg/kg.b.wt.) on male rate fertility were investigated following repeated oral administrations for 60 consecutive days. Repeated administrations of atenolol (9 and 18 mg/kg.b.wt.) induced non significant effects on weights of testes, epididymis and seminal vesicle at the first day, 30 and 60 days after the last repeated oral administration for 60 days. Administration of atenolol (9 and 18 mg/kg.b.wt.), metoprolol (3.5 and 7 mg/kg.b.wt.) and propranolol (15 mg/kg.b.wt.) to male rats induced significant decrease in percent of progressive motility of sperm at first day after the last oral administration for 60 days. Atenolol (18 mg/kg.b.wt.), metoprolol (7 mg/kg.b.wt.) and propranolol (7.5 and 15 mg/kg.b.wt.) induced significant increase in sperm head and tail abnormalities at first day after the last repeated dose. All rats treated with atenolol (9 mg/kg.b.wt.), metoprolol (7.5 and 15 mg/kg.b.wt.) and propranolol (7.5 and 15 mg/kg.b.wt.) induced significant decrease in the level of testosterone hormone at first and 30 days after the last dose. Repeated administrations of atenolol, metoprolol and propranolol in therapeutic and double therapeutic doses for 60 days induced nearly similar histopathological alterations in testis, epididymis and seminal vesicles. The induced hazard effects by the tested drugs on the male rat fertility were reversible as they returned to normal values 60 days after discontinuation of therapy.