Nicotine impact on testis, epididymis and semen pattern in adult male rats

Abstract EN

Background and aim : male reproductive function depends on integrity of seminiferous epithelium as well as integrity of accessory sex organs.

Nicotine is the major component of tobacco that is responsible for deleterious effect of cigarette smoking.

This study is designed to investigate influence of nicotine administration for variable durations on the structure and function of adult male rat genital system.

Methods : A total number of 60 adult male three months aged albino rats were used.

They were divided into four groups (15 animals each).

First group: the animals were served as control.

Second group: was treated by nicotine subcutaneously in a dose of 6 mg / kg / day for two weeks.

Third group : was treated by nicotine in the same dose for four weeks.

Fourth group was treated by nicotine in the same dose for nine weeks.

Serum testosterone level of rats was determined.

The sperms were examined for estimation of percent of sperm alive, motility, abnormality, and protoplasmic droplets.

The animals were sacrificed.

Histological section of testis and epididymis were taken.

Results : serum testosterone level of treated animals is reduced but it did not reach a significant level except after four weeks of treatment.

The percentage of both the sperm alive, motility were significantly reduced even after two weeks of treatment with nicotine.

Sperm abnormalities and percent of unripe (with protoplasmic droplets) showed significant progressive increase starting after two weeks.

The testis shows thickening of the tunica propriety and irregular basal lamina.

Degeneration of germ cells especially with prolonged duration of exposure was observed.

Conclusion : nicotine consumption, especially with prolonged duration, has deleterious effect on male fertility potential.