Duru FIO, Olalekan OO, Azu OO and Okoko II
Experimental cryptorchidism has been associated with increased apoptotic degeneration of spermatogenic cells resulting in increased free radical production. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of L-arginine on semen parameters, histology and the antioxidant activities on induced cryptorchid rat testis. Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 150-250 g were divided into four groups (A- D) each with 5 rats per group. Animals in groups A and C were made unilaterally cryptorchid by anchoring the upper pole of the testis to the anterior abdominal wall. While group A was treated with 15 mg/100 mg body weight of L-arginine, group C had no treatment. Group B animals received the same dose of L-arginine but not made cryptorchid. Group D animals served as control and received distilled water. A significant decrease (p<0.05) in the sperm count was observed in groups A, B and C when compared with the control. Sperm motility declined significantly in groups A and C. Seminiferous tubular atrophy, depletion of spermatogenic cells as well as infiltration of interstitial spaces was common in cryptorchid rats as well as those treated with l-arginine. Serum testosterone levels were significantly increased in group B whereas group C recorded a decline. Luteinizing hormone levels were significantly increased in groups B and C whereas follicle stimulating hormone levels were decreased in group C when compared with the control. MDA levels were significantly increased in groups A and C while SOD activity declined significantly in these groups. Catalase activity decreased significantly in group C when compared with the control while glutathione reductase activity reduced significantly in groups A and C when compared with the control. These results indicate that administration of 15 mg/100 mg BW of L-arginine causes testicular oxidative stress and do not improve the outcome of cryptorchidism in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats.
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