Histomorphological effect of zidovudine on the testes of adult male wistar rats (rattus novegicus)

Background: Zidovudine (ZDV) also referred to as azidothymidine (AZT) was the first approved treatment for human immunodeficiency virus, although, its impact on the reproductive system has not been clearly understood. Aim: The aim is to analyze the effect of dose dependent administration of ZDV (AZT) on the testes of adult Wistar rats was carefully studied. Materials and Methods: The rats ( n =20), with an average weight of 150 g were randomly assigned in to a control group (Group 1) ( n =5) and three treatment groups ( n =5). The control Group 1 received distilled water while the treatment groups divided into Group 2, (subnormal), Group 3 (normal) and Group 4 (excess) were administered 0.3 mg/ml, 1.3 mg/ml and 2.3 mg/ml of AZT respectively (in line with the recommended dose of 600 mg/70 kg) dissolved in distilled water daily for 30 days, using an orogastric cannula. The rats were fed with growers mash and given water liberally. The rats were euthanized under chloroform vapor on the 31 st day of the experiment, and the testes were carefully harvested and fixed in 10% formol saline for histological studies. Results: Histological results of treated group revealed significant changes in testes histoarchitecture (the control showed normal histoarchitecture). Conclusion: ZDV may cause structural abnormalities to testicular tissues.