Objective:This study was designed to investigate the Ocimum
gratissimum (OG) effects on sperm quality and testicular
cytoarchitecture in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Method:Twenty male Wistar rats (150-200 g) were assigned into 4 groups (n=5) as A
(control), B (OG), C (Dia) and D (Dia+OG). Groups A and B were normal
animals receiving distilled water or OG (400 mg/kg), respectively while
diabetes was induced by alloxan monohydrate (100 mg/kg) in groups C and D,
followed by the administration of distilled water or OG, respectively for 28
days. Blood samples were obtained for fasting blood glucose (FBG) and
fructosamine determination while, epididymis and testes were obtained for
sperm quality assessment using computer-assisted sperm analyzer and
testicular histomorphometry, respectively. Seminiferous tubule diameter and
interstitial space distance were quantified in hematoxylin and eosin stained
slides. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and student t-test at
α0.05.Results:Fructosamine and FBG were reduced in Dia+OG (80.11±3.80µmol/L
and 132.0±8.41mg/dl, respectively) compared with Dia
(139.66±4.29µmol/L and 285.6±26.69mg/dl, respectively).
Sperm count was unchanged in Dia, but decreased in OG and Dia+OG; abnormal
sperm cells increased in OG, Dia and Dia+OG. Mild vacuolation in the
seminiferous tubule, disorganized germinal cells layer, arrested sperm
maturation with empty spermatozoa in lumen, decreased seminiferous tubule
diameter and increased interstitial space were found in the testes of OG,
Dia and Dia+OG compared with control.Conclusion:Diabetes induces sperm impairments and distortions in testicular
cytoarchitecture, which were aggravated by OG leaf extract in male Wistar
rats.