Antireproductive effects of calcium channel blockers on male rats
Date
2009
Authors
Morakinyo, AO
Iranloye, BO
Adegoke, OA
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Drugs have been shown to adversely affect male fertility and recently anti-hypertensive drugs were added to the list. The anti-fertility effects of nifedipine and similar calcium channel blockers are well-illustrated in in vitro experiments but not in vivo. The present study was designed to experimentally elucidate the sub-chronic effect of nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem on sperm functions and reproductive hormone levels in vivo. Male rats (150–200 g) were divided into four
groups of ten rats each. Group 1 (control) received distilled water; Group 2 received nifedipine 0.57 mg/kg BW; Group
3 were given verapamil 3.40 mg/kg BW and Group 4 were given diltiazem 2.57 mg/kg BW. Each drug-treated group
had its own recovery group from which treatment was discontinued for 30 days before the animals were sacrificed.
Blood samples were collected for hormonal assay of FSH, LH and testosterone. Semen evaluation was done and the testes, seminal vesicle, epididymis and prostate were removed, and weighed immediately. Results Nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem significantly decreased (P\0.05) sperm count and motility in drug treated groups. The weight of the epididymis was significantly reduced (P\0.05) in the drug treated rats. Semen parameters and other associated changes were restored
after 30 days of drug withdrawal.
Description
Keywords
Nifedipine , Verapamil , Diltiazem , Sperm , Testosterone
Citation
Morakinyo AO, Iranloye BO, Adegoke OA. (2009) Antireproductive effects of calcium channel blockers on male rats. Reprod. Med. Biol. 8: 97-102