Abstract

THE AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN ON TESTICULAR DAMAGE INDUCED BY CHRONIC ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF ALCOHOL IN POSTPUBERTAL MALE ALBINO RATS

Martins S. Akogwu, Chukwuka N. Uchendu and Rita I. Odo*

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HcG) on testicular damage induced by chronic administration of alcohol in postpubertal male albino rats. Twenty four mature male albino rats were assigned into four groups: Group A was the control given distilled water, Group B was given 30% ethanol (8 ml/kg) orally 3 times a week for 10 weeks, Group C was given HcG (50 IU/kg) subcutaneously 3 times a week for 10 weeks and Group D was given HcG (50 IU/kg) subcutaneously + 30% ethanol (8 ml/kg) orally 3 times a week for 10 weeks. The results obtained indicated that body weight, testicular weight and volume were similar amongst the groups. The ex situ testicular circumference, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves, sperm motility and viability were significantly reduced (P<0.05) in Group B by ethanol when compared to Groups C and D. The photomicrograph of the testis of rats in Groups C and D showed normal seminiferous tubular epithelium composed of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes on the basal epithelium while that of Group B indicated a reduction and disorganisation in the cellular components of the seminiferous tubules with an increased luminal space. The study showed that HcG potentiates a significant recovery from testicular damage induced by chronic alcohol administration.

Keywords: Ethanol, HcG, postpubertal, testis, rats, sperm.