Frequent use of methylphenidate causes reduction in sperm production and sperm quality in adult balb/c mice

Abstract

Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant used mainly in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study evaluated the effects of the drug on the testicles of adult mice, through morphological, histometric, hormonal, and sperm evaluations. Twenty-four Balb /c mice were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 8). Group 01: control (distilled water); Group 02: 20 mg/kg/day of methylphenidate; Group 03: 40 mg/kg/day of methylphenidate. The treatment caused a reduction in body weight that may indicate toxic effects caused by prolonged use of the drug. Regarding the percentage of tubular components, there was an increase in the percentage of tubule and epithelium, but the percentage of lumen and tunica propria decreased. The diameters of spermatogonia A and Sertoli cells decreased in stage 1 of the cycle. There were reductions in the percentage of lymphatic space, connective tissue, and macrophages, with a consequent reduction in the percentage of intertubules. Methylphenidate treatment during adulthood decreased plasma testosterone concentrations and compromised the spermatogenic process leading to a reduction in the number of spermatids and spermatozoa, sperm production, and sperm transit time in the epididymis. This allowed us to demonstrate that methylphenidate can impair male fertility.