AMLODIPINE-INDUCED TESTICULAR DNA DAMAGE AND ITS MODIFICATION BY A HERBAL PREPARATION IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS

Abstract

The present study originated from the reports of adverse effects on male reproductive potential caused by the dihydropyridine derivative type calcium channel blockers, which are widely used agents for different cardiovascular disorders. The study was conducted to verify whether the repeated administration of this type of calcium channel blockers can cause any testicular DNA damage and if so, whether the damage can be modified by the co-administration of a herbal protective agent. The study was conducted in male Wistar albino rats. The testicular DNA damage of different groups of rats was evaluated by comet assay taking percentage DNA in comet tail as the main parameter. It was found that oral administration of the widely used dihydropyridine type calcium channel blocker amlodipine produced a duration- dependent and significant (P<0.001) DNA damage in the testes of Wistar albino rats. The co- administration of the alcoholic extract of seeds of Asteracantha longifolia produced a dose dependent and significant ((P<0.001) protective effect against this amlodipine-induced testicular DNA damage.