Histomorphological response of D-ribose L-cysteine to ketamine-induced testicular toxicity in adult male Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: This study aims to study the histomorphological response of D-Ribose-L-Cysteine (DRLC) on ketamine-induced testicular damage in adult male Wistar rats. Methods: A total of twenty (20) adult male Wistar rats were used for this experiment. The animals were randomly divided into four groups (A-D) (n=5). Group A served as the control, receiving distilled water as placebo; Group B were administered with 50 mg/ kg bw of Ketamine only; Group C were administered with 50 mg/ kg bw of Ketamine and 30 mg/ kg bw of DRLC; Group D were administered with 30 mg/ kg bw of DRLC only. At the end of the experiment, blood was taken from the heart via cardiac puncture and stored, semen was collected from the caudal epididymis for immediate sperm analysis, while the testes were excised and preserved for histological examination and biochemical analysis. Results: The results showed abnormalities marked by a significant decrease in the weights, sperm parameters, as well as antioxidants, serum hormonal levels and abnormal testicular microarchitecture in the rats as a result of Ketamine treatment. However, DRLC exhibits significant quenching effects and attenuating activities on the Ketamine-induced abnormalities by increasing the rats' weights, restoring the sperm parameters, as well as increasing the antioxidants and serum hormonal levels with restored testicular histoarchitecture. Conclusion: D-Ribose-L-Cysteine in the current study attenuated the toxic effects of ketamine on the testes, therefore, it could be used as adjuvant therapy for reproductive toxicant-induced testicular toxicity due to its potent antioxidant property.