Immunohistochemical and Stereological Studies of <i>Treculia africana</i> Seed on Chloroquine Induced Damage on the Testes of Adult Male Wistar Rats (<i>Rattus novergicus</i>)

Abstract

Introduction: Chloroquine causes damage to the testis by crossing the blood testis barrier. Treculia africana has numerous medicinal potentials. However, the prevention of its complication such as male infertility remains unexplored. This aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous seed extract of Treculia africana on chloroquine-induced toxicity in the testis of adult male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). Methods: Twenty eight (28) rats with an average weight 200±10g were used for the study and divided into four groups consisting of seven rats in each group. Control group A received 1 ml of distilled water daily, group B received 2mg/kg body weight daily of chloroquine orally, group C received 200mg/kg body weight daily of aqueous seed extract of Treculia Africana while group D received 2mg/kg body weight daily of chloroquine and Treculia africana seed extract (TASE) concurrently for a period of 60 days. Histological, histopathological, hormonal and semen analysis, Stereological and Imunohistochemical evaluation of the testis were done. Results: Histological analysis showed the ameliorative properties of TASE after chloroquine induced testicular toxicity. Significant differences (P<0.05) in hormonal analysis were observed across treatment groups. Significant differences (P<0.05) in Semen and Sterological analysis were observed. Johnsen's Score of the testis showed a significant improvement in group D while Immunohistochemical observation showed the ameliorative properties of TASE. Conclusion: chloroquine is injurious to male reproductive health, administration of TASE may help to improve seminiferous tubule integrity and immunohistochemistry and stereological studies further revealed its ameliorative properties.