The histomorphological appearance of the testes in Alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits

Abstract

This study assessed the histomorphological changes in testicular tissues due to the experimental diabetes mellitus (DM) generated in rabbits with Alloxan. Twenty-four adult male rabbits were used and allocated randomly into two equal groups (n=12 of each). The first group served as a control group and received normal saline only. The second group (diabetic group) was injected with Alloxan at a 100mg/kg IP dose. The serum glucose level was estimated at (0 min), 3 days and then (1,2 and 3 months), by aspiration of a blood sample from the jugular vein mixed with anticoagulant (EDTA) to obtain serum. The testosterone hormone was assayed from the serum obtained by centrifugation of blood samples using a special kit. Testicular biopsies were harvested through surgical castration at (1,2, and 3 months) post-administration of Alloxan. Results displayed a marked increase in glucose levels in the diabetic group starting from day three till the end of the experiment, with high differences between the two groups. Moreover, testosterone levels significantly decreased in the diabetic group compared to the control group. Our histomorphological examination confirmed that Alloxan leads to testicular damage in rabbits, represented by testicular atrophy, necrosis focusing in spermatogenic cells and separation of germinal epithelium. In conclusion, the injection of Alloxan succeeded in inducing (DM) with clear alteration in studied parameters. . Key Words: Biochemical, Testicular Parameters, Alloxan, Rabbits.