Effect of Metronidazole on Spermatogenesis, Plasma Gonadotrophins and Testosterone in Male Rats

Metronidazole and it’s derivatives are drugs that have both antiprotozoal and anti bacterial effect.The reproductive toxicity of metronidazole has been shown in some studies. To investigate the effect of metronidazole on spermatogenesis in adult male rats, this study was designed. Eighteen wistar male rats (70-90days old) were randomly divided into three groups. Animals in group I (Control group) were administered the water. Animals in groups II, III were administered metronidazole at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day for 60 days. Different varieties of germ cells at stage VII seminiferous epithelium cycle, namely, type A spermatogonia (ASg), preleptotene spermatocytes (pLSc) and step 7 spermatids (7Sd) were quantitatively evaluated, along with radioimmunoassay of plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteiniging hormone (LH), testosterone assessment. In the 200 and 400 mg/kg groups, there were significant decreases in the testes and accessory sex organ weights, plasma concentrations of LH, FSH and testosterone with massive degeneration of all the germ cells at stage VII. It is concluded that metronidazole has a suppressive influence on spermatogenesis and sex hormones in rats.