Abstract

EFFECT OF DIAZEPAM ON THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM IN MALE RATS.

Dr. Mohammed A. Taher* and Dr. Zainab N. H. Anber

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of diazepam on male fertility by assessing its effect on the weight of the reproductive organs, sperm characteristics which included the sperm count, motility, viability and morphology and its effects on serum LH, FSH and testosterone. Methods: Fifty male rats were allocated into five groups. Control (D.W.) (n=10) and test groups that received (2, 5 and 10 mg/kg/day) of diazepam by oral gavage, each group (n=10) and sulfasalazine (500mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. Animals were kept in standard conditions. At the end of the treatment; animals were weighed before sacrificing and the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate tissues were removed and weighed separately. While sperms were collected from cauda epididymis and the sperm count, motility, viability and morphology were determined. LH, FSH and testosterone were also measured using rat ELISA kits and the reproductive performance was also determined. Results: Animals showed an increase in weight after treatment while testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate weight were significantly reduced. Also, a significant decrease in sperm count, motility and viability with an increase in sperms abnormalities was observed .Serum LH, FSH and testosterone was also significantly decreased. Conclusion: This study observed impaired fertility in adult male rats treated with 2mg/kg/day of diazepam and higher doses.

Keywords: testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate weight.