Complete Sperm Suppression in Rats With Dienogest Plus Testosterone Undecanoate Is Facilitated Through Apoptosis in Testicular Cells

Abstract

Complete suppression of the production of sperm in rats with dienogest (DNG, 40 mg/kg body weight [bw]) plus testosterone undecanoate (TU, 25 mg/kg bw), every 45 days, was found to be associated with a significant increase in germ cell apoptosis. Caspase 3 activity and expression in testis were simultaneously upregulated. Rise in the activities of caspase 8 and 9 was associated with overexpression of upstream marker proteins from extrinsic (Fas [Fatty acid synthase], FasL [Fatty acid synthase ligand], and caspase 8) and intrinsic (Bax [Bcl2-associated-x protein], Bcl2 [B-cell lymphoma 2], and caspase 9) pathways of apoptosis. Apart from the germ cells, interstitial cell apoptosis was also observed along with a decline in the number of functional Leydig cells. It is therefore concluded that complete suppression of the production of sperm with DNG þ TU is facilitated mainly through the removal of precursor germ cells through apoptosis. The process is largely modulated by upregulation of upstream and downstream marker proteins from intrinsic as well as extrinsic pathway of metazoan apoptosis.

Structural evaluation of the peritubular sheath of rat’s testes after administration of ribavirin: A possible impact on the testicular function

“…However, the present results showed the existence of Casp-3 immunostaining within the spermatogenic cells and in the interstitial cells with varied intensities among groups. This localization is established by many authors Meena et al 41 and Pilutin et al 42 Apoptosis is present normally within the spermatogenic cells with sequential phases and synchronization linked by intercellular bridges. 43 The apoptotic activity increased after 4 weeks of treatment.…”

Effect of vas ligation on testicular sperm extraction results in nonobstructive azoospermic rats: Shaeer’s lock‐in technique

“…Forty‐six rats were randomised into the study group and 10 to the control group. Nonobstructive azoospermia was induced in all 56 rats, by monthly intramuscular injection of Dienogest (40 mg/kg) + Testosterone Undecanoate (25 mg/kg), as per Meena et al (Meena et al., 2013). Monthly FNA's were performed until NOA was confirmed from all rats.…”