Study of the long-term and dose dependent effects of methylphenidate and monosodium glutamate on the Leydig cells population in adolescent rats

Background: Methylphenidate is one of the most common medications used for maintaining alertness and improving of attention which may lead to increased risk of substance abuse in some cases. Monosodium glutamate is a food additive which has toxic effects on human and animal’s tissues. Due to the various side effects of methylphenidate and monosodium glutamate on the reproductive system, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of these compounds on the alterations of Leydig cells population.Methods: Low and high dose of methylphenidate (5 and 10 mg/kg) and monosodium glutamate (6 and 60 mg/kg) were administrated separately and/or in combination form to adolescent rats for 60 days. Testicular tissue samples were studied under light microscope for measurement of Leydig cells number.Result: The results showed that high dose of methylphenidate and low dose of monosodium glutamate and/or combination form of these two compounds have more effects on the reduction of Leydig cells population. Low dose of methylphenidate with high dose of monosodium glutamate influenced some alterations on the population of Leydig cells. The distinct use of methylphenidate and monosodium glutamate led to slight decrease of cell population but, simultaneous use of these compounds led to significant decrement of Leydig cells.Conclusion: It has been concluded that the coadministration of methylphenidate and monosodium glutamate can be effective in alteration of Leydig cells number and through induction of some hormonal alterations may lead to some changes in normal function of reproductive system.

کلیدواژه ها:

Leydig cells ، Methylphenidate ، Monosodium glutamate ، Adolescent rats