Reproductive Functions and Toxicology Following Scrotal Ultrasound Therapy in Rats
Keywords:
Fertility, Scrotum, Ultrasound, ToxicologyAbstract
Therapeutic ultrasound involves direct application to the scrotum that might affect normal reproductive functions. We explore possibilities for development of a localized, non-invasive and reversible contraception method with ultrasound therapy in rat model. Animals were divided equally into five groups. Results observed with a gradual decrease in reproductive organs weight, testis volume, testosterone concentration and cauda epididymal sperm count, motility and viability following therapy, whereas sperm abnormalities were continuously enhanced throughout the study in groups II - V. Testis histopathology marked with duration and frequency dependent changes in groups II - V including conspicuous alterations in the seminiferous tubules, erupted germ cells, impaired spermatogenesis with pycnotic nuclei, vacuolization in the Sertoli cells, small Leydig cell nuclei, total necrosis and reduction in seminiferous tubules and wide interstitial space with fibroblast like cells. The fertility was totally lost at 180 days (groups II and III), 15 - 180 days (group IV) and 7 - 30 days of therapy (group V), respectively. A complete recovery was observed in all parameters in group V rats. Ultrasound application affects reproductive organs and fertility in rats. Hence, it may serve as a viable male contraceptive with further confirmation of dose and duration dependent efficacy, side effects and reversibility.
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