The effect of long-term use of ketoconazol on spermatogenesis and testicular tissue in mice

Ketoconazole is a widely used antifungal medication. Studies showed that this medication has an inhibitory effect on production of steroid hormones such as glucocorticoids and sex hormones. The purpose of the present study is to determine the effect of chronic administration of Ketoconazol on spermatogenesis indexes of testicular tissue in male mice. 50 male mice (NMRI) weighing between 25-30 g، maintained and fed under the same conditions were divided into 5 groups of 10. The mice received 50 mg/kg of Ketoconazol orally daily for 15 days in 1، 2 and 3 months. There were one control group (normal saline) and four consuming groups. After the specified time، a testicular biopsy was performed and the sections were stained by H&E. Then، they were studied in terms of spermatogenesis indexes (tubular differentiation index (TDI)، spermiogenesis index (SI)، and repopulation index (RI)). The results showed that RI and SI on day 15 and RI، SI and TDI in the first، second and third month decreased significantly (p<0. 05). Chronic administration of Ketoconazol leaded to reduction of spermatogenesis indexes of testicular tissue in male mice. The reduction in RI، SI and TDI was probably due to low serum testosterone. The effect of ketoconazol on spermatogenesis index and unfertilization in human being needed further studies.