Study of the Long-Term and Dose Dependent Effects of Methylphenidate and Monosodium Glutamate on the Hormonal Alterations of the Pituitary-Testicular Axis and Sperm Analysis in Adolescence Rats

Abstract

Methylphenidate is one of the most common medications that used for maintaining alertness and improving of attention which, may lead to increase of the risk of substance abuse in some cases. Monosodium glutamate is a food additive which has toxic effects on human and animal’s tissues.  Due to the various side effects of methylphenidate and monosodium glutamate on the reproductive system, the aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term and dose dependent effects of these compounds on the reproductive system during adolescence through hormonal and sperm analysis. Low and high dose of methylphenidate and monosodium glutamate was administrated to adolescent rats for 60 days. Body and testicular weight measurement, pituitary gonadotropins and testosterone levels assays and sperm analysis was performed on euthanized animals. The results showed that, high dose of methylphenidate and low dose of monosodium glutamate and/or combination form of these two compounds have more effects on body and testicular weight alterations. Low dose of methylphenidate with high dose of monosodium glutamate influenced some alterations in follicle stimulating hormone. The distinct use of methylphenidate and monosodium glutamate led to slight elevation in sperm count but simultaneous use of these compounds led to significant elevation of sperm count. The administration of these compounds had negative effect on sperm motility and viability. It has been concluded that, coadministration of methylphenidate and monosodium glutamate through the influence of brain-pituitary-testicular axis and induction of some hormonal alterations may lead to changes in normal function of reproductive system