Effect of Quinolones on Serum Testosterone Level in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Objective:  To determine the toxic effects of quinolones on serum testosterone level in male albino rats.

Methods:  Eighty male albino rats were randomly divided into A, B, C and D groups each group having 20 albino rats. These groups were further subdivided into A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1 and D2 having 10 albino rats each. Ciprofloxcin, ofloxacin and enoxacin dissolved in distilled water were given at 135mg/kg/ day, 72mg/kg/day and 12.5mg/kg/day to groups A, B and C respectively for 12 weeks. Only distilled water was given to group D which was control group for the same time period. Blood samples were drawn for testosterone hormone level estimation at 0, 14^th, 28^th and 42^nd day in subgroups Al, B1, Cl and D1 and then the animals in said groups were sacrificed on 42^nd day to identify testicular morphological changes. Rats in subgroup A2, B2, C2 and D2 were kept alive till 84^th day after stopping drugs at 42 days to find out if there is any change in levels of testosterone after discontinuation of the treatment. Blood samples for testosterone hormone estimation were taken at 0, 14^th, 28^th, 42^nd, 56^th, 70^th and 84^th day from subgroups A2, B2, C2 and D2. Testosterone hormone estimation assay was performed on the collected samples.

Results:  Testosterone assay showed significant decrease in serum testosterone levels in all experimental groups, when compared with control group. These levels did not return back to normal even after withdrawal of drugs. This study suggests a gonadotoxic potential of quinolones.

Conclusion:  Quinolones reduce serum testosterone levels and should be used carefully for long term therapy.