Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of some commonly used ant malarial agents in Nigeria on sperm concentration, epididymal, seminal vesicle, testicular weights and serum testosterone level on adult male albino rats. Malaria and its complications pose serious health challenges in sub-saharan Africa and the possible side effects of anti-malarials on reproductive functions should be of serious consideration. Twenty one adult rats were randomly divided into five groups (Group A, B₁, B₂, C and D) of five rats each with group B₁ and B₂ having 3 rats each. Group A serve as the control and was administered 0.9% normal saline; Group B₁ was administered quinine dihydrochloride (5 mg/kg); Group B2 was administered quinine dihydrochloride (10 mg/kg); Group C was administered Artemether (20 mg/kg) and Group D was administered sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (22.5 mg/kg). The ant malarial agents were administered via intraperitonial route for 4 days. Testicular, seminal vesiscle and epididymal body weight ratio; sperm count and serum testosterone level were evaluated using standard methods. Results of the experiment showed a dose dependent significant decrease (p<0.05) in the epididymal weight by Arthemeter and higher dose of quinine (10 mg/kg bw), but there were no significant differences in seminal vesicle and testicular weights; sperm concentration and serum testosterone levels between the experimental and control animals. The results suggest that the administration of the three antimalarial agents at recommended doses and duration employed in this study had no adverse effects on testicular function and serum testosterone level.

Keywords:

Artemether, epididymis, fansidar (sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine), quinine, seminal vesicle, sperm concentration, testes, testosterone,

References

Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

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The authors have no competing interests.