Functional morphology of gonads under conditions of antipsychotic therapy

Abstract

Gonadotoxic side effects of antipsychotic agents are known to cause serious disturbances in both germinative and endocrine testicular functions. The hormonal activity of the testes undergo undulating changes whereas the germinative function progressively decreases from the onset of neuroleptic therapy. The morphological and functional disturbances in the testicles are especially well pronounced after 10 years of antipsychotic treatment. The morphofunctional changes in the ovaries become apparent from the very beginning of antipsychotropic therapy; they are indicative of the progressive impairment of reproductive and endocrine functions of the female gonads.