The effects of oral ketoconazole and griseofulvin on the fertility of male rabbits

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Animal Health Research Institute, Mansoura, Egypt

2 Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, P.O 35516, Egypt

3 Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate possible side effects of ketoconazole and griseofulvin on fertility of clinically healthy male rabbits.
Design: Randomized controlled experimental study.
Animals: Thirty mature male rabbits.
Procedures: Rabbits were randomly allocated into three equal sized groups (10 animals each). The first group served as a control group (received no treatment), the second group received griseofulvin (25 mg/kg B.W) orally for 30 days, and the third group received ketoconazole (50 mg/kg B.W) orally for 30 days. Semen samples were collected after 1 day, 1 week and 2 weeks post-administration to determine sperm motility, % of live and dead sperms, total sperm abnormalities and sperm cell concentration. Two weeks post-administration, testes and epididymides were removed for histopathological examination.
Results: Both drugs produced a significant reduction in the serum testosterone level, sperm cell concentration, percent of live sperms and percent of sperm motility.
Conclusion and clinical relevance: Ketoconazole and griseofulvin have a negative impact on fertility of male rabbits, and the effect is more pronounced with ketoconazole.

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