The Effects of Levofloxacin on Testis Tissue and Spermatogenesis in Rat

Levofloxacin is one of the Fluroquinoline antibiotic groups, which affect on controlling infections, especially in reproductive organs. It has therapeutic use in numerous countries, but little information exists on the effects of Levofloxacin on spermatogenesis when it is used for infectious treatment. The current study was designed to determine whether Levofloxacin influences testis tissue and spermatogenesis in rats. In this survey 50 male Wistar rats 6-8 weeks (250 ± 10 g) were used: normal salin as sham and control groups and 3 treatment groups (0.03, 0.06 and 0.08 mg Levofloxacin\kg body weight) during 60 days. The experimental groups were daily gavages. After 60 days, they were anesthetized with ether and testes were taken for histopathology studies, sperm parameters evaluation and several hormone concentrations. Although testosterone concentration was not affected by Levofloxacin levels, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration significantly increased by Levofloxacin consumption in 0.03 and 0.06 mg Levofloxacin\kg body weight groups (P < 0.01). Moreover, sperm concentration decreased linearly as Levofloxacin was increased (200, 192, 170, 128 and 75×106 sperm for control, sham, 0.03, 0.06 and 0.08 mg Levofloxacin\kg body weight, respectively, P < 0.05). Testis tissue cuts in experimental group when the amount dosage of Levofloxacin increased cells solidarity to the primary and secondary spermatogonia. Adding Levofloxacin linearly reduced spermatocyte cells and amount of all cells in semenifer pipes tube (P < 0.05). Levofloxacin as an antibiotic has histopathology effects on the spermatocyte cells, especially in high dose. Therefore, it might reduce fertility in male that requires further studies.