English

Abstract

Cimetidine is a potent histaminic H2-receptor antagonist extensively prescribed for ulcers. It has also known as reproductive toxicant as indicated by significantly reduced weight of accessory sex organs and is responsible for sexual dysfunction. The present study was designed to investigate the influence of parenterally administered drugs cimetidine and bromocriptine on the germinal epithelium of adult male albino rats and its relation with spermatogenesis. Ninety adult young male albino rats between the ages of 60 to 120 days were selected for the study and divided into three groups as Group A, B & C. The spermatogenesis was normal in almost all of the tubules of group B but a few of them were seen lined with only Sertoli cells and all the other germ cells like spermatogonia, primary spermatocyes, spermatids early and late, and spermatozoa were absent indicating total atrophy with both Sertoli cells and Leydig cells hyperplasia. However, the seminiferous tubules of group C were showing disorganisation/ disruption or both at the level of basal compartment of germinal epithelium in small quadrants, a quarter, half or more than half of their tubules indicating partial atrophy. Both normal and abnormal germinal epithelium was seen in same/different tubules but a few of them were seen lined with only Sertoli cells and all the other germ cells like spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, spermatids early and late, and spermatozoa were absent. From our findings, we could not exclude the possibility that besides the known anti-androgenic effect of cimetidine, a possible interference of cimetidine on the histoarchitecture of the seminiferous epithelium, as well as lack of other biochemical factors essential for spermatogenesis could be involved in the testicular changes/ alterations of both groups B and C.