Evaluation of spermatozoa of the rat in hyperprolactinaemia induced by Metoclopramide

Abstract

Metoclopramide (MCP) in doses of 2.2 mg kg-body weight, being administered intraperitoneally to rats for 14 d, provokes a premature release of germ cells in the testes. The number of spermatozoa is reduced. I n addition the spermatozoa exhibit defects of head and tail structures. After the administration of M C P for 14 d, followed by a 14-d break in applying the drug, the number of spermatozoa in the lumen of the epididymal duct continues to be low. Many spermatozoa are damaged. Only after a 66-dbreak in MCP administration is the morphology of the seminiferous epithelium restored, and a large number of spermatozoa appear in the lumen of the epididymal duct. IntroductionIn men hyperprolactinaemia disturbs the function of the reproductive system. Besides such symptoms as lowering or complete eradication of potency and libido, oligo-, astheno-, and teratozoospermia, and even azoospermia are encountered (Segal et al., 1976; Rocco et al., 1983). According to Cameron et al. ( 1984) and Katovich et al. (1985) the causes of the poor state of the semen, are changes in the testis, consisting in the degeneration of the adluminal parts of Sertoli cells, as well as disappearance of the junction between Sertoli cells and spermatids. This is due to germ cell exfoliation. The inappropriate release of germ cells causes a reduction in the number of spermatozoa.Our studies on the model

Morphological and immunohistochemical comparison of three rat prostate lobes (lateral, dorsal and ventral) in experimental hyperprolactinemia.

“…In the experimental study Amiri et al [37] used even doubled dose of MCP than we were for 21 days and found 2,5 fold increase of PRL concentration comparing to control rats. The capability of MCP to induce hyperprolactinemia was reported by others too [38,40].…”

Lactational exposure to sulpiride: Assessment of maternal care and reproductive and behavioral parameters of male rat pups

“…Because of this, both 52 mothers and physicians have sought drugs to address this concern [1]. 53 The available galactagogues are dopaminergic antagonists, which in- 54 crease serum PRL by counteracting the inhibitory influence of dopamine 55 (DA) on PRL secretion [3]. 56 Sulpiride (SUL) is mainly marketed as an antipsychotic drug and is 57 reported to selectively antagonize central dopaminergic receptors (D2, 58 D3 and D4) [4].…”

Commentary

“…Clinically, excessive secretion of PRL may interfere with the cyclic release of gonadotropin and may inhibit the peripheral activity of gonadotropin on the gonads (8). In the rat, its high concentration provokes a premature release of germ cells in the testes, the number of spermatozoa decreases and the sperm cells have morphological abnormalities in the head and tail (11). In men, low sperm counts have been correlated with hyperprolactinemia (12) and in women hyperprolactinemia is frequently diagnosed in patients with infertility and men-strual cycle irregularities (13).…”