EFFECT OF CYCLOSPORINE ON FERTILITY IN MALE RATS

The effect of cyclosporine (CsA) on fertility has assumed greater impo rtance with the increasing numbers of pediatric transplantations being performed all over the world. Conflicting reports on the effects of C sA on sex hormones are available. This experimental animal study was d esigned to examine the effect of CsA on testicular weight, sperm count s, seminiferous tubular diameter (STD), testicular morphology, DNA flo wcytometry, sex hormone levels, and fertility in male rats. Those rats who received CsA (20 mg/kg per day) showed significant reductions in testicular weight (P < 0.05), sperm count (P < 0.01), Johnsen score (P < 0.05), STD (P < 0.01), serum testosterone levels (P < 0.05), haploi d cell population (P < 0.001) in the testis, and fertility (P < 0.001) compared to those receiving CsA 10 mg/kg per day and control rats. Th ese findings will have an important bearing for children receiving cyc losporine for long periods to guide the physician in optimally adjusti ng long-term treatment.