Effects of Spironolactone on the Testes

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To evaluate the anti-androgenic effects of spironolactone on the testes in a rodent model.

Materials and Methods: 42 male mice of age ranging from 30 to 60 days were used in the study. These were equally divided at random into control groups A1, A2 and A3 and experimental groups B1, B2 and B3 each comprising of 7 animals. Each control group received aqueous suspension of gum acacia (vehicle) 3ml/kg/day orally, A1 for 10, A2 for 20 and A3 for 30 days. Each experimental group received spironolactone 200 mg/kg/day orally, B1 for 10, B2 for 20 and B3 for 30 days. The animals were weighed and sacrificed 24 hours after last respective dose and testes removed. The weight and volume of testes were measured. Student-t test was applied to compare the mean data of control and experimental groups.

Results: Animal body weight decreased significantly in B2 and B3. There was significant reduction in weight and volume in all three experimental groups. No significant change was found in the relative tissue weights.

Conclusion: From the results of present study it is concluded that the treatment with spironolactone causes significant reduction in the weight and volume of the testes and hence the testicular function. Moreover the testes of animals at younger age (of sexual maturation) are more sensitive to spironolactone.