Ribavirin Exposure Induces Histopathological Changes in the Seminiferous Tubules of Testes in Albino Rats

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Study objectives: The objectives of the study are to describe and compare histopathological changes in the seminiferous tubules of testes of rat, with different doses of Ribavirin at different time intervals.

Introduction: The chemical disturbances may affect a vast number of potential sites in male reproductive system as well as its complex hormonal regulation. Testicular toxicity may reduce the fertility of the male. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Ribavirin on the histological structure of seminiferous tubules in the testes of albino rats.

Materials and Methods: Seventy two sexually mature adult male albino rats weighing 180-200gms were divided into four groups: A, B, C and D; each group having 18 rats.  Ribavirin was administered intraperitoneally in different doses to these groups that were 20mg, 100mg and 200mg/kg body weight, while group A was control. Each group was further divided into three subgroups according to three time points which were selected for sacrifice that were 20^th, 40^th and 60^th day from the last exposure to drug. Six randomly selected rats from each group were sacrificed on every sacrifice time.

Results and Conclusion: The seminiferous tubules with degenerative changes like appearance of vacuole and necrotic material were observed in comparison to control groups, on 20^th day of sacrifice in all groups. In rats sacrificed on day 40^th and 60^th, the sign of recovery in the form of regeneration of seminiferous epithelium was observed that was more marked in low dose groups than high dose groups which showed late recovery. We conclude that ribavirin being used as antiviral drug induces reversible degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules of testes of albino rats.

Key words: Testes, Rat, Cytotoxicity, Seminiferous germinal epithelium, Degeneration, Regeneration, Ribavirin.