Effects of antiepileptic drugs carbamazepine and sodium valproate on fertility of male rats
Soliman, G.A.; Abla Abd; el-Meguid
Deutsche Tierärztliche Wochenschrift 106(3): 110-113
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0341-6593 PMID: 10220947 Document Number: 500678
The effects of carbamazepine and sodium valproate on fertility were studied in male rats (n=60, including controls). Mating performance, weight of the sex organs, semen quality, plasma concentrations of sex hormones and histopathological findings were evaluated. Oral administration of carbamazepine (1 mg/kg) or sodium valproate (1.8 mg/kg) for 30 or 60 consecutive days significantly decreased the testicular weight, sperm cell concentration, live spermatozoa and percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa. Both drugs significantly increased the percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa. A decrease in plasma testosterone, FSH and LH and an increase in prolactin levels were observed in the treated groups. Histopathological examination showed mild to moderate degenerative changes in the testes of the treated rats, while the prostate glands and seminal vesicles appeared normal. After a recovery period of 30 days, the tested parameters were similar in treated and control animals.