Pycnogenol improves the destructive results of prenatal bacterial lipopolysaccharide exposure in adult male pups NMRI mice

Introduction: Prenatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can lead to structural damage and CNS dysfunction. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of prenatal administration of pycnogenol (PYC) against the negative effects of bacterial LPS on anxiety-like behavior, gonadotropin and sex hormone serum levels, and sperm quality and quantity in the adult male offspring of NMRI mice. Methods: Pregnant mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = ۱۰ per group): ۱. Saline group: received a single dose of saline as solvent of pycnogenol by gavage for ۳ days on gestation days ۱۶-۱۸. ۲. LPS group: received a single dose of LPS (۲۰ µg/kg, subcutaneously) on gestation day ۲۰. ۳. PYC: received ۲۰۰ mg/kg/day of pycnogenol by gavage for ۳ days, intraperitoneally, on gestation days ۱۶-۱۸. ۴. LPS + PYC: received a single dose of LPS (۲۰ μg/kg) on gestation day ۲۰ and pycnogenol (۲۰۰ mg/kg/day) by gavage for ۳ days on gestation days ۱۶-۱۸. After maturity/puberty in male pups (۶۰ days old), the anxiety-like behavior test was performed. After the behavioral test, serum levels of gonadotropins (luteinizing hormone, LH, follicle stimulating hormone, FSH), testosterone hormone and sperm quality were assessed. Results: LPS administration increased anxiety-like behaviors and decreased serum LH and testosterone levels; however, PYC treatment reversed the negative effects of LPS to normal levels. Conclusion: PYC treatment improves anxiety-like behavior and gonadotropin and testosterone secretions. Therefore, this substance can be used as a protectant and an aphrodisiac agent.

کلیدواژه ها:

Pycnogenol ، Lipopolysaccharid ، Anxiety ، Gonadotropin ، Testosterone ، mice