CHANGES INDUCED IN THE EPIDIDYMIS OF LABORATORY RAT BY AZADIRACHTA-INDICA LEAVES

The histological and biochemical changes in the caput and cauda epidid ymidis of the rat treated with the leaf powder of Azadirachta indica a re reported. The aim of present investigation is to know the effect of A. indica leaf powder on the epididymidis and the exact time required for its recovery after withdrawal of the treatment. The pattern of re covery was studied at eight day, sixteen day and twenty four day after withdrawal of the treatment. In the treated rat's (Group II) the heig ht of the epithelium and the diameter of the nucleus of both the caput and cauda epididymidis were reduced. The lumen was devoid of spermato zoa and the intertubular fibrosis was evident. A decrease in the prote in content and Acid phosphatase (ACP) activity and increase in the tot al free sugar content and the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were observed. A gradual recovery was observed in both the histological and biochemical parameters after wi thdrawal of the treatment. The results suggest a possible antiandrogen ic property of the leaves of A. indica.