بررسي اثر مترونيدازول بر بافت بيضه و توليد اسپرم در موش صحرايي نر بالغ

Background Metronidazole is an antibacterial medicine which is used for many years. This study was designed in Zanjan from 2001-2002 to detect side effects of this medication on spermatogenesis and testicular functions. Material and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 24 male wistar rats which were divided into three groups: The control group who were receiving only pure water for 60 days; two experimental groups receiving 200 and 400 mg/kg/day Metronidazole for 60 days. Then the testises of the rats were extruded and fixed in 10% Formalin and stained with Hernatoxilin-Eosin methods. Results: The weight of the testises and also the number of germinal cells were reduced significantly in the experimental groups (P<0.001). Reduction in the number of leydig cells were significant only in the rats which received 400 mg/kg Metronidazole per day (P<0.001). The changes in the number of sertoli cells were not significant in all groups. Conclusions: Metronidazole may affect testicular tissue and reduce its function. Thus, it is recommended to be used caustiously, especially in males.