Alterations in the histology of the prostate of Sprague-Dawley rats treated with oxytocin

Abstract

Background: The role of oxytocin in female reproductive system has been well studied. Very little is known about the long-term administration of oxytocin in prostatic tissues. This study aimed to assess the histological effects of prolonged administration of exogenous oxytocin on prostate in the male Sprague-Dawley rats.
 Methods: Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 180-250g were randomly distributed into four groups A, B, C and D of five rats each. Group A served as the control while groups B to D were the treated groups. Oxytocin was administered intramuscularly two days per week at the doses of 1, 2 and 3 IU/kg/b.w. to groups B, C and D respectively while 0.5ml of physiologic saline was administered to the control. The treatment was carried out over a period of 8 weeks (one spermatogenic cycle). At the end of study, blood was collected for testosterone assay and the prostate was also harvested for histological procedure.
 Result: Result showed significant decrease in the prostatic weight of all the treated groups. However, testosterone significantly increased in group D and the histology revealed moderate to severe stroma fibrosis, high vascularization with vascular congestion which was due to severe infiltration of inflammatory cells in a dose dependent manner.
 Conclusion: Prolonged administration of exogenous oxytocin could led to a decrease in prostatic weight. Hence, clinician prescribing oxytocin for the treatment of oligozoospermia should be conscious of the risk of exogenous oxytocin in inducing prostatic disorders.