The study of time dependent administration of methylphenidate on the microscopic indices of spermatogenesis and sperm analysis in adult rats

Abstract

Objective: Methylphenidate, Ritalin, is one of the most common medications. The administration of Ritalin leads to increase of the activity of central nervous system. Ritalin may be used for maintaining alertness and improving of attention which, may lead to increase of the risk of substance abuse in some cases. There is a little data about the effects of long term treatment with Ritalin on body organs involved in fertility ability. Regarding to the effect of normal fertility on the physical and mental health of males, this study was designed to investigate the time dependent effects of MPH on the activity of male reproductive system. Methods: Ritalin was administrated to adult rats (10 mg/kg/day) in three experimental groups for periods of two weeks, 11 weeks and 11 weeks with one week interval between each two weeks. The blood plasma levels of gonadotropins and testosterone was measured. Histomorphometrical study and sperm analysis was performed for evaluation of reproductive function. Results: The reduction in body weight and decline in the blood testosterone levels was seen in two groups which treated for 11 weeks. The reduction of microscopic indices of spermatogenesis and the alteration of morphometeric characteristics of seminiferous tubules was accompanied with epididymal sperm decrement in long term treated animals. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that, the long term use of methylphenidate can adversely damage the male fertility due to impairment of normal spermatogenesis.