Volume : 3, Issue : 5, May - 2014

Morphometric and Histological Evaluation of Testis Following Doxorubicin Challange

M. S. Sastry, V. V. Gotmare

Abstract :

Accurate morphometric information can provide answers to important questions about the spermatogenic process, and is also valuable for correlation with physiological and biochemical findings in order to develop a more complete understanding of spermatogenesis. Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic drug widely used in the treatment of variety of cancers. It has multiple mechanisms of action, including its interaction with the enzyme topoisomerase II, metal ion chelation and free radical generation. More recently, doxorubicin is found to reduce the viability of cancer cells via DNA damage. A number of investigators have attempted to study the effects of this chemotherapeutic drug on the reproductive system, however, none of these investigators extensively utilized the histomorphometric and stereological evidences of doxorubicin mediated derangement of the testis. In the present study, the effect of doxorubicin at mg, 4mg, 6mg, 8mg and 10mg/kg b.wt (i/p) administered for 15days, 5days, 3weeks and 4weeks have been studied. The gross anatomical parameters assessed included the testicular weight and volumes while morphometric parameters estimated included diameter and cross sectional area of seminiferous tubule. There was a progressive worsening of the testicular arrangement with passage of time following doxorubicin challenge. From the foregoing results it is concluded that doxorubicin has a deleterious effect on the testis.