The effect of quercetin on the morphogenesis of the interstitial space in the testes of rats after 90 days with central blockade of luteinizing hormone

Abstract

Leydig cells are responsible for the production of testosterone in the male testicles when stimulated by luteinizing hormone (LH). Dysfunction of Leydig cells, which occurs during inflammation or oxidative stress, is one of the main causes of male infertility. The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of quercetin on the microscopic organization of rat testes, nitric oxide production and the intensity of oxidative stress in rat testes on the 90th day of the experiment, during the experimental central deprivation of LH synthesis caused by the administration of triptorelin acetate solution. The experiment was conducted on 20 sexually mature male white rats. Rats were divided into 2 groups of 10 animals in each group: control group (I), group with central deprivation of LH + quercetin synthesis (II). Animals from the group with central blockade of LH synthesis were injected subcutaneously with triptorelin acetate at a dose of 0.3 mg of the active substance per kg and quercetin at 100 mg per kg of body weight 3 times a week, while the control group was injected with saline. Our study of the interstitial space in the testes of white rats showed heterogeneity of macrophage populations and variability of structural and functional parameters. Central blockade of LH synthesis by the administration of treptorelin with the parallel administration of quercitin to the studied animals on the 90th day of the experiment causes changes in the structure of the interstitial space of rat testes, which is characterized by high variability both in the populations of interstitial endocrinocytes and macrophages. Biochemical indicators on the 90th day of the experiment indicate an increase in NO production in conditions of central blocking of the synthesis of luteinizing hormone by more than three times, which is ensured by the activity of the inducible isoform of NOS (iNOS). At the same time, the increase in the activity of iNOS with a decrease in the activity of the arginase pathway leads to the polarization of macrophages according to the pro-inflammatory type. The introduction of quercetin protects the testicular tissue of rats from oxidative damage caused by the administration of triptorelin on the 90th day of the experiment by increasing antioxidant protection and reducing reactive oxygen species in the tissue.