Histopathologic Effects of Anastrozole an Aromatase Enzyme Inhibitor on Rat Testicles

Abstract

A AB BS S T TR RA AC CT T O Ob bj je ec ct ti iv ve e: : To investigate effects of anastrozole that used for idiopathic male infertility on testicular histopathology. M Ma at te er ri ia al l a an nd d M Me et th ho od ds s: : Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups. Group I included rats that were given saline solution (placebo). Group II included rats that received low dose of anastrozole (0.001 mg/kg). Group III included rats that received routine dose of anastrozole (0.01 mg/kg). Group IV included rats that received high dose of anastrozole (0.1 mg/kg). Anastrozole was administered to treatment groups for 21 days and at the end of the treatment period, testicles were removed for histopathologic examination. R Re es su ul lt ts s: : Spermatogenetic activity was normal in 6, 5, 4 and 3 rats in group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4, respectively. Slight testicular atrophy was detected in 1, 2, 2 and 1 rats in group1, group2, group 3 and group 4, respectively. Severe/complete testicular atrophy was detected in 1 rat in group 3 and in 3 rats in group 4. No severe/complete testicular atrophy was detected in groups 1 and 2. Leydig cells were hyperplastic in 1 rat in group 1 and in 2 rats in group 2. Leydig cells were hyperplastic in rats that had severe or complete atrophy in group 3. Leydig cells were hyperplastic in rats that had mild and complete atrophy in group 4. Basal lamina appeared normal in all groups. C Co on nc cl lu us si io on n: : High dose anastrozole treatment results in a significant decrease in testicular size. Although it was not statistically significant, mild and total atrophy and hyperplasia in leydig cells secondary to atrophy were also detected.