Effects of morphine dependency and its abstinence on serum concentrations of sex hormones and reproductive system in male rats

The study was performed to investigate the effects of morphine dependency and morphine withdrawal on the reproductive system of adult male rat (Wistar).

32 adult male rat divided into 5 groups. Animals in the control group (n=8) received normal saline (1ml/kg) twice daily subcutaneously for 30 consecutive days. Animals in dependent group (n=8) received morphine (10mg/ml/kg). In 2 other groups (n=4) withdrawal syndrome signs were evaluated with naloxone injection (4mg/kg). Receiving morphine for 30 days، animals of the withdrawal group (n=8) didn’t receive any drug for 14 consecutive days (spontaneous withdrawal).

The data showed that in the morphine dependent animals serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone as well as partial weights of prostates and seminal vesicles، weights of prostates and seminal vesicles، and seminal vesicles contents reduced as compared with control group (p<0. 05). In the withdrawal group seminal vesicles contents were lower than the control group (p<0. 05).

Results of this study indicate that morphine dependency influence the sex hormone concentrations in serum and reproductive system and may cause reduction in fertility and libido decline in men.