Conflicting Effects of Methylphenidate on Testicular Function following Dose Dependent Administration of Nicotinein Adult Rats: Epididymal Sperm Count

Background: Testicular tissue is one of the most sensitive tissuesthat could be affected from environmental risk factors.Structural and functional alterations of testicular germ cellscan influence the spermatogenesis process. Methylphenidate(MPH) is one of the most common medications used for treatmentof ADHD syndrome that used for maintaining alertnessand improving of attention which, may lead to increase of therisk of substance abuse in some cases. Nicotine (NCT) is toxicsubstance. It has been reported various alterations in testicularstructure and function induced by nicotine. The aim of thisstudy was to evaluate the coadministration of MPH and NCT onthe sperm population in adult rats.Materials and Methods: ۳۰ adult rats were divided into threeControl, Low NCT+MPH and High NCT+MPH groups. Lowdose and high dose of nicotine (۲ and ۴ mg/kg/day i.p.) was administratedfor ۸ weeks. Methylphenidate (۱۰ mg/kg/day i.p.)was administrated to NCT treated rats in whole of study period.Epididymal sperm was collected for sperm count analysis.Results: The mean of epididymal sperm count was reduced inboth treated groups in comparison to control animals. The mostreduction in sperm population was observed in Low NCT+MPHgroup. The administration of MPH to high dose NCT treatedanimals was led to increase of sperm population compared toother treated group.Conclusion: It is believed that, the MPH works through stimulationof dopamine transporter and D۲ receptors. Nicotine isa potent parasympathomimetic stimulant. NCT indirectly promotesthe release of many chemical messengers such as dopamine.According to the results of this study, it seems that higherdose of NCT could be effective temporarily in increase of testicularsperm production.

کلیدواژه ها:

Methylphenidate ، Nicotine ، Rat ، Sperm Count